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Penn Twp. homeowners flee fast-moving fire
PENN TWP — A fast-moving fire late Monday night tore through a Dodds Road house, forcing the homeowners to run for their lives, authorities said.
Ron and Tammy Smith were able to make it out safely just after 10 p.m.; however, their story-and-a-half home was destroyed.
Fire officials suspect the blaze was accidental, and possibly was caused by a wood-burning stove in the basement or faulty insulation around the fireplace chase in the living room.
The couple had used the wood-burner that day, said Cpl. Jeff Crede, the state police fire marshal in Butler. Crede also is the chief of the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Tammy Smith was in the living room watching television when she heard a cracking noise. She turned her head and saw smoke and a "glow" at the top of the ceiling, Crede said.
She screamed "fire," and her husband rushed downstairs to help.
"He pulled the insulation away from the wall and saw the fire," Crede said. "It was really rockin'. They barely got out of the house."
The couple called 911, and Middlesex and Saxonburg volunteer firefighters helped the Penn Township VFD battle the blaze. Penn Township police also assisted.
Damage to the house and contents was estimated at $150,000. The property is insured, officials said.
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