State police fire marshal to determine cause of Derry Borough fire

A state police fire marshal will investigate the cause of a blaze that severely damaged a home in Derry Borough Wednesday.

Fire Chief Josh Campbell said smoke and flames were showing when firefighters arrived at 720 East First Ave. The fire was reported at 8:39 a.m., according to county dispatchers.

“The first thing we did when we got here was check to make sure no one was inside. No one turned out to be home, but several pets did perish in the fire,” Campbell said.

Campbell said the family, who was not identified, recently purchased the home and moved in only about three weeks ago.

“When we got here it was going pretty well throughout the house, but we believe it started somewhere on the rear side. It had already gotten into the walls, so it was a pretty difficult fire and took about 45 minutes to get it under control,” Campbell said.

Authorities reported one firefighter was treated at the scene by paramedics from Mutual Aid Ambulance.

Firefighters were still on the roof about two hours after the fire was reported working to extinguish hot spots.

“We don’t want to have to come back,” Campbell said.

The name of the homeowner was not available.

In addition to Derry, fire departments from Bradenville, Darlington, Latrobe, Ligonier, Lloydsville, Youngstown and Blairsville in Indiana County also responded.