1 firefighter evaluated after crews battle Thursday fire in Buffalo Township
One firefighter stayed in the hospital overnight as a precaution after crews battled a fire in the basement of a ranch-style brick home Thursday, Feb. 19, in Buffalo Township.
The firefighter was taken to the hospital for abnormal blood pressure, but Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Matt Cypher said Friday morning the firefighter was in “good shape” last night.
The call was reported at 1:35 p.m. at 203 Edgewood Drive off South Pike Road, according to Butler County Emergency Services dispatch records. Crews were on the scene for almost 5.5 hours.
Cypher said arriving crews saw heavy smoke coming from the home’s front door. The caller had reported heavy smoke coming from the basement door. The basement was primarily used for storage.
“Due to all the stuff in storage, (crews) weren’t able to see the active fire,” Cypher said. “They accessed it for basement windows to get more water in there and clear it.”
“Accessed” in this case means firefighters used the window to create an access point for water.
Cypher said the visibility in the basement was the most difficult part. Due to conditions in the home, Saxonburg EMS deployed its rehab trailer, which Cypher explained carries extra water, Gatorade and other supplies to get firefighters cooled and hydrated.
He said six people lived in the home, but only one was present when the fire broke out.
Cypher said he does not believe the structure is salvageable, but the insurance company should be able to salvage personal items from the home.
Sarver, Saxonburg and Harrison Hills volunteer fire companies, South Buffalo Township and Fawn Township volunteer fire departments, Citizens Hose Fire-Rescue-EMS, Freeport Fire-EMS and Kittanning Hose Company 6 also responded.
