Investigation Continues into Chestnut Street Fire

by Jonathan Weaver

A family of six – a mother, father and four children - was displaced from their Kittanning Borough home last night after a fire on the second floor of their home.

The fire at 242 Chestnut St. was reported to Armstrong 9-1-1 about 9:45PM, and Kittanning Hose Company #1, #4 and #6 volunteer firefighters, along with police and Kittanning #6 Ambulance, responded promptly – enough that the fire was extinguished within minutes of the call.

However, Hose Company #4 Fire Chief Earl “Buzz” Kline investigated the scene alongside two Kittanning Borough Police officers Tuesday night and talked with the victims after other volunteer fire crews left the scene.

“At this time, we’re still searching for an ignition source – we have a pretty good idea but (we have to do some) further investigation,” Chief Kline said.

Multiple neighbors reported the fire, according to police, and stood on sidewalks across the street or rode bicycles to witness firefighters in-action. Firefighters carried clothes and mattresses out of a second-story window before hosing down the bedroom while fans blew smoke from the home.

Chief Kline, who is also the Borough fire marshal, said damage was contained to one corner of the front bedroom, but he recommended the family find another place to stay last night due to the water damage. The family owned the half of a two-story duplex, which was located near the intersection with North McKean Street.

“Very, very lucky – we had great response from the fire departments,” Chief Kline said. “Nobody’s hurt.”

The family dog also walked out of the house uninjured.

There was also no damage to the other side of the duplex, which is occupied.

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