Friday Fire Damages Port Matilda Home

A Port Matilda house is severely damaged after a fire that occurred Friday morning around 10 a.m. in Taylor Township. 



Many factors made the blaze a difficult task for the Volunteer Firefighters.  The house was in a very wooded location off a long dirt access road.  The house on Bell Hollow was difficult to access given the circumstances.  The fire had also already caused extensive damage and it was difficult for firefighters to secure a water supply, which they drew from a nearby stream. 



Upon arrival, the entire structure was fully involved.  All five people who live in the home, owned by Mark Nale, were able to get out of the house safely.



The house is a two-story wood frame, brick-sided house.  It suffered extensive damage.  There was added danger for the firefighters at the scene because up to six propane tank explosions were reported in the home’s basement during their efforts. 



The fire appeared to be accidental, but a state police fire marshal spent most of Friday on the scene investigating the cause.  The investigation is on-going.









Source: WTAJ-TV 10