Members of a West Deer family discovered their house was on fire Tuesday night when the lights snapped off and they went to investigate, according to a township fire chief.
“It probably was the fire burning some of the circuits,” said West Deer No. 3 Fire Chief Josh Wiegand.
The fire was reported shortly after 8 p.m. at 4365 Bakerstown Culmerville Road.
Two adults, a child and a dog and cat got out of the three-story, wood-framed house safely, but two other cats were missing, officials said.
The fire presented challenges for responding firefighters.
“The roof collapsed soon after we arrived and there was significant water damage to the house,” he said.
Crews also had to battle frigid temperatures in the high teens to low 20s and slick road conditions.
“The extreme cold temperatures (made it) difficult to keep the firefighters warm,” Wiegand said.
No injuries were reported, according to emergency dispatchers.
Emergency responders cleared the scene around 11:20 p.m. A damage estimate was not available Wednesday, but Wiegand said the family had insurance.
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.
Red Cross spokesperson Lisa Landis said the organization was dispatched to help the residents. It was unknown Wednesday where they were staying.
