Aug 23, 2018 2 min read

Homeowner Marty Goodrich of Morris Township broke down in tears as he surveyed the damage to his home, which was destroyed by a fire Thursday afternoon.

“I lost everything,” said Goodrich as he viewed what remained of his home at 1734 Craft Creek Road.

No one was injured in the 3 p.m. blaze, and Goodrich’s dog, Cindy Lou, was rescued by a neighbor, Matthew Steele, who broke in a window and pulled out the dog.

Steele and his stepfather, Barry Klages, who live across the road from Goodrich, said they were outside when they saw smoke pouring from the house and ran over to look for Goodrich.

“We both came over and called the fire in, and we wanted to make sure (Goodrich) was all right,” said Klages.

The pair called the Washington County 911 center and located Goodrich, who was outside.

“But he said his dog was still inside, so we were breaking down windows trying to get the dog out,” said Steele.

Goodrich said the fire began in the kitchen, where he was making lunch.

“I’m working nights, and I came home and I was doing some work outside. I was done working outside and was hungry, so I came in and I put a sandwich in the microwave and I turned the stove on, and I put some oil in the pan to make some fries,” said Goodrich. “I went outside to close up the garage and I turned around and the house was on fire.”

Morris Township fire chief Dave Dietrich said the fire was fully involved when firefighters arrived.

Morris Township firefighters were assisted by personnel from South Strabane, South Franklin and Morris townships; West Finley, Claysville and Taylorstown; and Washington County Hazardous Materials Response Team.

Dietrich said the state police fire marshal is investigating the fire.

The fire department also notified the American Red Cross, which helps families find food, clothing and shelter following disasters.

A vehicle parked next to the house also was destroyed.

“I need to call work,” said Goodrich. “But I don’t have a phone. My phone was inside the house, too.”