ARCHBALD — A Saturday morning fire claimed the lives of two family pets while the family was out to breakfast, according to Archbald Fire Chief Robert Harvey.
Harvey said firefighters from multiple departments responded to 902 Rock St. at 8:43 a.m. and contained the fire to the kitchen, its point of origin.
Heat, smoke and water damage, however, were significant throughout the house, making it uninhabitable, he said.
The State Police Fire Marshal ruled the fire accidental, Harvey said.
Smoke comes from a house at 902 Rock Street in Archbald on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)Jermyn Crystal Fire Company #1 Lt. Joe Palermo III works on the roof at the scene of a house fire at 902 Rock Street in Archbald on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)Smoke comes from a house at 902 Rock Street in Archbald on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)Eynon firefighter Tyler Cicco uses a hose on the side of the house at the scene of a structure fire at 902 Rock Street in Archbald on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)Jermyn Crystal Fire Company #1 Lt. Joe Palermo III, right, and firefighter Michael Gavalis work on the roof at the scene of a house fire at 902 Rock Street in Archbald on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Harvey credited firefighters with responding in the midst of high winds and sub-freezing temperatures, which provided challenges they overcame.
Harvey said firefighters were originally concerned that the family was trapped inside the house, but then learned they were not at home.
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The bodies of a dog and a cat were found lying next to each other near a couch.
Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours, extinguishing smoldering areas in interior walls of the home, he said.
Harvey left the scene at about 1:30 p.m., after ensuring utilities to the house had been shut off.
Residents of the home were staying with family members, he said.
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