Wind sweeps flames through two sheds
Two sheds burned in a wind-swept fire Sunday afternoon in northern Butler County that also ignited trees, leaves and brush.
No injuries were reported in the fire about 12:50 p.m. on East Mercer Street, just a block-and-a-half from the Harrisville fire station.
A cause was undetermined, but the blaze was not considered suspicious, said Steve Bickel, chief for the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department.
Crews responded to the call and found two small sheds — each about 10-feet-by-10-feet — on fire in back of the owner's house.
The sheds, which were around 10 feet apart, were used for storage, Bickel said. They contained items such as lawn mowers, tools and bicycles. The owner was not home.
Also burned in the fire were nearby brush, leaves and trees. The home, which was about 75 yards from the sheds, was never at risk, Bickel said.
The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. Damage to the sheds was estimated at a combined $2,000, and an additional $800 to $900 to their contents. The property was insured.
Assisting the Harrsville VFD were firefighters from Slippery Rock and Marion Township in Butler County and Pine Township and Grove City in Mercer County.
