Pa. volunteer firefighter shocked by live wire at fire

By Liz Zemba
The Tribune-Review

UNIONTOWN, Pa. — A Fayette County volunteer firefighter was injured after coming into contact with an electrical line at a house fire Monday in Uniontown that has been ruled an arson.

Uniontown firefighter Robert "B.J." Plavi was entering the basement of a house at 68 Butler St. when the wire fell on his shoulder and arm, said Chuck Coldren, assistant Uniontown fire chief.

Coldren said Plavi was treated at Uniontown Hospital and then released. He was "resting comfortably" at home, Coldren said.

Firefighters were dispatched to the house at 1:35 a.m., according to Fayette County 911.

Coldren said the intentionally set fire appears to have started in the rear of the structure, near the back porch and kitchen.

John Riggle of Uniontown told police he kicked in the front door of the house after detecting the fire. Riggle called 911 after noticing there was no furniture in the house, according to the report.

Coldren said the one-story house sustained major damage. It is owned by Joseph Cholock of Uniontown, according to police.

Coldren said two fires in the past year at one of the houses next to 68 Butler St. also were ruled arsons. No arrests have been made in either fire.

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