BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A fast-moving fire claimed the life of a 38-year-old man at a West Butler Drive home Monday morning, fire officials said.
Albert Croman was found in the basement of the single-level home, apparently getting trapped in because of the blaze. The other six residents made it out of the home safely, officials said.
The Valley Regional Fire Department was dispatched to the scene around 11:45 a.m., with assistance coming from fire departments as far south as McAdoo and as far north as Dorrance Township.
Officials said 15 tankers were on the scene because no fire hydrants were near the rural location.
It took firefighters almost five hours to battle the flames, which were fanned by the high winds Monday, officials said. But after the blaze was contained and fire fighters left the scene, they were re-dispatched to the location because the structure caught on fire again.
A firefighter was injured battling the blaze, officials said.
Officials said the fire probably started in the basement. A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause.
Valley Regional Fire Chief Matt Balliet could not be reached for comment Monday night.