2 firefighters hurt battling blaze on Tarentum's East Ninth Avenue

Two firefighters were injured battling a fire Thursday morning on Tarentum’s East Ninth Avenue, which left four residents homeless.

Highland Hose fire Chief Terry Chambon said two firefighters from Citizens Hose suffered minor burns and were taken to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison. They were treated and released hours later.

Four residents in the three apartments in the three-story, wood-frame house got out of the building safely, Chambon said.

The fire was reported in the 300 block of East Ninth at 9:42 a.m., according to an Allegheny County emergency dispatcher. Firefighters worked for about two hours to get the fire under control as flames and smoke poured out.

Chambon described the house as a total loss because of the extent of damage.

It was unknown what started the fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating but had not made a determination as of Thursday afternoon.

The four displaced resident are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The agency is helping them find temporary shelter, more permanent housing, clothing and food, Chambon said.

Calls to the Red Cross were not immediately returned Thursday.

Tarentum’s Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company led about eight fire companies on the scene, including two additional departments from Tarentum, three from Harrison, Brackenridge and Lower Burrell No. 3.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this online story misidentified the fire department headed by Chief Terry Chambon.