Propane heater cause of West Bethlehem Township fire
A propane heater inside a house under construction in West Bethlehem Township is the being blamed for a fire that damaged the structure late Thursday morning.
“The cause of the fire is a small propane heater inside a first-floor bathroom,” said Lone Pine fire Chief Keith VanVarenberg. “What is unclear is if it malfunctioned or whether it caught nearby building materials on fire.”
The state police fire marshal responded to the scene to assist in determining the cause.
Firefighters from five companies were called at 10:51 a.m. to 224 Little Creek Road. VanVarenberg said the first crew at the scene was able to quickly knock down the flames, using the water in the fire engine along with some supplied by tankers. VanVarenberg said the house was about 400 feet from the road. The fire was declared under control by 11:30 a.m.
VanVarenberg estimated damage at $175,000. He said the home is being built by Rosewood Builders on property owned by George Dubich.
Lone Pine firefighters were assisted by firefighters from Marianna, Richeyville, Ellsworth and South Strabane Township.