Fire guts Donegal Township home
A fire Monday morning gutted a mobile home in Donegal Township.
Firefighters from West Alexander, South Franklin Township and Claysville responded to the mid-morning blaze at 77 Ealy Road. West Alexander fire Capt. Shawn Scherich said the cause of the blaze was undetermined. A state police fire marshal was called to the scene to investigate.
Homeowner Frank Archambault, a member of McGuffey School Board, said he and his wife were running errands when his neighbor called him to tell him his home was on fire. Archambault said the structure was not insured.
The home has been ruled a complete loss.
Archambault said firefighters found his black Labrador retriever unconscious inside.
Firefighter John D. Thomas of West Alexander Volunteer Fire Department suffered smoke inhalation during efforts to remove the dog. Thomas was treated and released at the scene. Firefighters were able to revive the dog, which it is expected to be OK.
Archambault was not sure if the Red Cross had been notified. He said he and his wife were seeking donations of any kind to help them get back on their feet.
“I don’t know what to do,” he said. “We were going to enjoy the day. … God’s in control. He knows what to do. I just don’t know.”