No injuries in Lower Burrell basement fire

Officials said no one was injured in a basement fire that broke out in a Lower Burrell home Friday afternoon.

The fire at 155 Craigdell Road was reported around 12:30 p.m.

Firefighters rescued two dogs and two exotic birds.

Officials said no one was home when smoke filled the residence of Brent Russell and his family. The red brick house is about four houses from Carl Avenue.

The fire’s cause was not immediately available, Lower Burrell No. 3 Assistant Chief Bruce Crivaro said.

New Kensington water authority employee Ron Balla ran from two blocks away when he saw the smoke.

Balla, Lower Burrell police Sgt. Scott Miller and Patrolman Steve Aulerich could only get 2 feet inside the front door, so they yelled from both the front and back doors to see if anyone was home.

Within minutes, about 45 volunteer firefighters from Lower Burrell, Arnold and New Kensington arrived.

Crivaro said they battled flames near a dryer. The fire was out within a half hour or so.

A teenage family member was at school when a friend telephoned him about the fire. The youth raced home and walked out leading a joyful dog “Coda” and minutes later carried out a smaller dog.

Just then homeowner Brent Russell arrived from soon after to see his son walking past a fire truck toward him.

His monster bear hug of his son and many, many thank yous to firefighters told the story.