Firefighters hampered in efforts to fight trailer blaze
By Eddie Trizzino
ADAMS TWP Firefighters were unable to cross their trucks over a one-lane bridge leading to a burning trailer at 126 Molinaro Lane on Friday night, which delayed their response causing the home to burn to the ground.
Doug Mellinger, a captain with Adams Area Fire District, said the call came in around 9:15 p.m., and the back half of the trailer was engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived.
The occupant of the trailer, Michael Molinaro, wasn’t home at the time but lost everything, including his pet turtle.
"We had water-supply issues, no hydrants in the area, we couldn't get across the bridge, can't get a firetruck across there, so we brought a leader line all the way up and fed off it," Mellinger said. "By the time we got the water source, we tried to make entry, we tried to go after the turtle but the floor was gone."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
It appeared the fire that started in the bathroom was likely started by an electrical problem, Mellinger said Saturday.
Mellinger said it took the dozen crews almost 40 minutes to get the fire under control. Multiple tankers were required to fill a portable pool with water that fed into hoses that could reach the trailer.
Mellinger also said after the fire was nearly contained an active power line fell next to the trailer, further reducing the area firefighters could work in.
The occupant of the trailer is staying in the residential house next to the trailer, Mellinger said. Red Cross is assisting with supplies because the man lost everything.
In addition to Adams Area Fire District, Callery Volunteer Fire Department, Cranberry Township VFD, Evans City VFD, Harmony Fire District, Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company, Wexford VFC, Saxonburg VFC, Penn Township Fire Department, Adams Township Police and Quality EMS service responded to the scene.
"We needed a lot of water," Mellinger said.
The turtle was found Saturday afternoon but it’s uncertain if it’s alive or dead.
