A Penn Hills family of three was left homeless New Year’s Eve after a fire ripped though their Jay Drive home.
Allegheny County dispatchers said the two-alarm blaze began shortly before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Authorities said a firefighter was treated at the scene and two cats died.
A dog was saved and no other injuries were reported.
The American Red Cross is assisting the three adults with clothing and shelter.
Resident Regina Finley witnessed the ordeal from across the street.
“I saw the fire come out of the windows,” she said. “It’s really a shame on New Year’s. It looks like it’s going to be a whole house loss. I just can’t believe that that happened.”
Penn Hills Fire Station 223 Chief John Capone said it does appear the home’s a total loss, and the municipal fire marshal is investigating. Capone did not want to speculate on specifics of the blaze.
A firefighter responded to the scene within a minute after being dispatched and saw the structure fully engulfed.
“It seemed like the fire traveled pretty quick,” said Capone.
Firefighters from Verona, Oakmont, Plum and Monroeville also responded.
Several nearby intersections such as Foltz Drive and Hamil Road were blocked off to allow space for the fire trucks.
“In the daytime, you’re not really sure how many you’re going to get,” Capone said.
