Aug 8, 2010 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

SOUTH UNION TWP. – A Brownfield Road man was found dead in his home by firefighters early Saturday after a fire had swept through the single-story dwelling, according to officials. Fayette County Deputy Coroner Paul Kondrla pronounced Douglas J. Durst, 52, dead at the scene at 7:38 a.m.

The cause of death has not been determined, said county Deputy Coroner Marissa Springer.

“(The cause) is still under investigation and pending test results,” she said, adding that an autopsy would not be conducted.

A report will be released next week, Springer added.

South Union Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Vince Miscovich said that neighbors approached firefighters when they arrived on the scene to report that they believed Durst was still in the residence.

“He was found just inside the front door,” he said.

Miscovich said that the 6:20 a.m. fire started in the kitchen area at the rear of the home.

“There was a lot of heat and smoke,” he said. “We got it knocked down in 15 to 20 minutes.”

In addition to South Union personnel, firefighters from Hopwood, Collier, Uniontown and West Leisenring responded to the fire.

“We were over at the fire at the Coastal Lumber Company (in Hopwood), when we got the call,” said Miscovich, adding that the other fire companies had also been battling the Hopwood fire before responding to the Brownfield Road blaze. “It was a long morning.”

Miscovich said that the interior of the residence was badly damaged in the fire.

A Fayette 911 spokeswoman said the fire companies cleared the scene at 12:15 p.m.

The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. A report was not available at press time.

Fayette EMS and Fairchance Firemans Ambulance also responded to the fire.