Home damaged by fire
BUTLER TWP — The interior of a township home was significantly damaged Wednesday afternoon from a fire that started in the kitchen.
The fire was reported about 1:15 p.m. at 91 Pittsburgh Road, just south of Picklegate Crossing.
Fire Chief Michael Schmidt of the South Butler Volunteer Fire Department said the fire started in the kitchen while the lone occupant was cooking.
“She was cooking and went upstairs for a moment,” he said. “When she went back down, she saw flames and called 911.”
James and Shandi Sherman live in the home with their two children, ages 4 and 6.
Both children were at school at the time of the fire, while James Sherman was at work.
Shandi Sherman was taken to UPMC Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh by ambulance for treatment of smoke inhalation, Schmidt said.
A neighbor said Sherman is pregnant.
Schmidt said her injuries are not life-threatening.
About 30 firefighters from several departments responded to the blaze. The southbound lanes of Route 8 that run under Picklegate Crossing, were closed while crews battled the fire.
Schmidt said the fire spread from the basement kitchen up the stairs of the home.
“It caused significant damage to the basement kitchen,” he said, estimating the damage to be several tens of thousands of dollars.
He said the upper levels of the home also suffered heat and smoke damage. The home is insured and is salvageable, Schmidt said.
The American Red Cross was called to assist the family. The neighbor said the Shermans have lived in the home for about four years.
One firefighter fell when battling the flames and suffered a shoulder injury, Schmidt said.
Volunteer firefighters from Meridian, Mercer Road, South Butler, Herman, Penn Township, Saxonburg and Callery departments responded to the blaze.
