Only the stone foundation is left of a farm house in North Buffalo Township during a fire on July 13, 2017. Owners were cited by township officials for not obtaining a permit prior to burning the house and the fact that burning the house is not allowed in the township.
A local real estate firm was cited in North Buffalo Township after it burned down a house without the proper permits in July.
Buffalo Valley Ltd. was listed as owners of a farm that contained an old farmhouse and a large barn.
According to court records, the farm house along Windcrest Drive was set on fire for the purpose of demolition on July 13. After neighbors reported the fire, West Kittanning Fire Department responded, but was dismissed by the crew who told them the owner had arranged for the controlled burn. The burn was conducted by Butler-firm A.E.S. Specialized Services, contracted by Buffalo Valley Ltd. According to signage on their truck, they specialize in excavating, gas/oil pipeline, and site work.
North Buffalo Township Supervisor David Wolfe also responded along with several neighbors. One neighbor in particular left work to come home and check his residence because he was told a house in his neighborhood was on fire and he was concerned for his property.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Fred Dzugan also responded to the incident. He filed two separate charges before Magisterial District Judge Gary DeComo on July 17. The first citation was for the deliberate burning of a dwelling, which is not permitted. The fine was $184.50. The second citation was for failure to obtain a building permit before demolition. The fine was $135.50.
Wolfe said the Department of Environmental Resources (DEP) was contacted, but there is no indication any action was taken.
According to court records, both fines were paid by Buffalo Valley Ltd. on August 8, 2017.
A search of business records show that Buffalo Valley Ltd. is part of Buffalo Valley Real Estate Ltd, owned by Snyder Associated Companies with offices at 1 Glade Park East, Kittanning.