Fire marshals still investigating fatal fire in New Kensington, fire responders lauded for their efforts

State police fire marshals continue to investigate the cause of a fire Sunday that swept through a duplex in New Kensington and resulted in the death of one woman.

New Kensington fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr. said the fire was reported a few minutes before 6 p.m. Sunday. The blaze originated at the duplex before spreading to a neighboring home and a commerical building.

The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office on Monday morning identified the woman as 49-year-old Angel Gray.

Saliba said no other families were affected by the fire. He is waiting for an update from state officials.

City Clerk Dennis Scarpiniti said the city is awaiting information from the fire chief and does not have any plans to tear down anything damaged by the blaze.

At a New Kensington City Council meeting Monday night, two city police officers were lauded by city officials for their efforts in trying to rescue the fire victim.

Patrolmen Christian Leonarski and Gerry Holbeck were first on the scene Sunday. They tried unsuccessfully to enter the building and rescue Gray. She lived in the duplex with her husband, Bob Gray, and was the only person home at the time.

Praising the police officers’ efforts, Saliba said the extreme heat generated by the fire drove them back.

Police Chief Bob Deringer also recognized their efforts.

“Leonarski kicked the door in, and Hobeck tried to go in,” Deringer said. “He could see her on the couch, but he couldn’t reach her because of the heat.”

According to Saliba, the fire started at the rear of the structure and emerged from the back, with strong winds whipping the flames.

“When they kicked the door in, the fire shifted to the front,” he said. “These two police officers, I think, should be recognized and commended for a job well done.”

Saliba said B.J. Kersey, an assistant fire chief, arrived and went in as the police officers were driven back. He was wearing turnout gear but lost a protective glove on his way in and had not put on a protective face mask in his haste to reach Gray, whom he managed to pull out.

Deringer, in turn, lauded the fire department’s work in battling the fire. He said the loss of a life was heartbreaking but added that the incident might have been worse if not for the firefighters’ efforts in containing the fire to the duplex and an abandoned building next door.

Council members all expressed their sympathy to the Gray family and their appreciation for the city’s first responders.

“Our officers made me extremely proud not only in how they handled the crowd but in how they handled themselves,” said Councilman Todd Mentecki, a volunteer firefighter who participated in extinguishing the fire.

“I’m just glad to live in a community that has an amazing amount of great first responders,” Councilman Dante Cicconi said.

Mayor Tom Guzzo said the work done by the city’s first responders is due to leadership, adding that the leadership of Saliba and Deringer is “absolutely amazing.”

As part of his report on the fire, Saliba told council the department’s aerial ladder truck went out of commission during the fire. He said the problem is with the truck’s hydraulic system, and he has contacted two mechanics to work on the apparatus, which has been plagued by breakdowns.

Saliba indicated that a new aerial truck is needed. City officials appeared to concur.

“It’s 24 years old, and the National Fire Protection Association recommendation (for replacement) is 20 years,” Saliba said.

He said the current aerial truck cost $434,000 when the city purchased it new. Now, that cost is $1.5 million, he said.

Also, in regard to Sunday’s fire, Saliba said the building’s owner had no fire insurance, which creates a problem because it was severely damaged and will have to be demolished.

“It’s just not fair for the taxpayers for the city to cover that cost,” Saliba said.

He asked council to explore taking steps, such as requiring fire insurance coverage of property owners, to avoid such a situation.