Home may be total loss in Lower Burrell fire

There were no injuries reported in a two-alarm fire Monday afternoon in Lower Burrell.

All occupants were already out of the home on Dakota Drive when firefighters arrived, according to Lower Burrell VFC #3 Fire Chief Brennan Sites.

The fire, reported just before 1 p.m., was first thought to be a deck fire in the rear of the home, but firefighters encountered flames throughout the first and second floors of the structure, Sites said.

He said the house is likely a total loss.

The homeowner, Sherry Lucchetti, said she rented the house to a family and was not present when the fire broke out. Three people were home at the time, she said.

Lucchetti, a teacher at Burrell School District, said she rushed out of class to get to the blaze, which at least eight fire companies battled.

Sites said he was pleased with the fast response for a daytime fire on a weekday.

The cause of the fire, he said, remains unclear.

Sites said the state police fire marshal will investigate.