Man rescued from burning Charleroi house
CHARLEROI – A man was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital after being rescued from a burning house Thursday morning in Charleroi.
Charleroi fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr. said the call came in at about 10:50 a.m. for a fire at the 2 ½ -story structure at 1004 McKean Ave, which spread next door to 1006 McKean.
“When (firefighters) arrived on scene, there was entrapment,” Whiten said. “The fire was going pretty good. My paid driver went in and grabbed the guy and dragged him out of the back with assistance from one of the guys from the street department.”
The victim, whose identity was not available, was flown to West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Whiten said one of the Charleroi firefighters suffered heat exhaustion and some burns on his hands.
Five cats perished in the fire.
The chief said the fire caused severe damage to a bedroom and a hallway on the second floor of 1004 McKean.
“There was no fire at all downstairs, just water damage,” Whiten said. “We had things knocked down pretty quick.”
Damage to the home next door was minimal.
Firefighters battled the fire in intense heat, and many could be seen consuming icy treats or drinking Gatorade to stay cool.
“That’s why I called for a second alarm right away,” Whiten said. “We needed help.”
The fire marshal was called to investigate and determine the cause of the fire.
Fire companies responding with Charleroi included Lock No. 4, Fallowfield, Stockdale, North Belle Vernon, Belle Vernon, Carroll Township, Bentleyville and both Monessen departments. Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services also responded.