A woman kicked out a second-floor window to escape from an early-morning fire at this split-level home at 1129 Three Degree Road in Forward Township. Firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to the two-story addition. About 30 firefighters from six departments fought the blaze, which was reported at 2 a.m.

FORWARD TWP — A woman kicked out a second-story window to escape a fire that broke out early this morning in her split-level home on Three Degree Road.

Municipal police helped the woman, who was not identified as of this morning, make it out of the house at 1129 Three Degree Road by throwing a ladder up to the window.

Chief Scott Jamison of the Evans City Volunteer Fire Department said this morning the fire blocked the house entrance, which required the dramatic escape through the window.

A dog and at least two cats also escaped.

The woman's boyfriend, Charles Spatig, was out of town and is expected to return later today.

Jamison plans to return to the house later today to confirm the cause of the blaze. He said the fire probably started in the back of the single-story section where there is a wood burner.

Although a damage estimate was not available this morning, Jamison said the single-story part of the house was destroyed.

However, firefighters were able to save the two-story addition that has rooms above a garage by dousing the fire before it spread to that side.

Jamison said the two-story part sustained only smoke damage and could be lived in once utilities are restored.

Jamison said the woman was sleeping when the fire started. A neighbor called 911.

After receiving the 2 a.m. call, firefighters made it to the back road within 15 minutes. But by then the damage was done.

"We could see it about four miles away," Jamison said of the fire.

Neighbor Ronald Schlachter, who lives at 1130 Three Degree Road, first saw the fire at 1:50 a.m.

"The flames were shooting off the roof probably 15 feet in the air," he said.

The roof over the single-story half was engulfed.

"The roof fell into the first floor," Jamison said.

He said it was lucky no one was hurt.

Using water, about 30 firefighters from six fire departments had the fire under control within an hour-and-a-half.

Foam was then used to ensure the fire did not reignite.

Following the subsequent cleanup, crews left about 5:40 a.m.

The Penn Township, Meridian, Connoquenessing Township, Mars and Valencia volunteer fire departments assisted Evans City.