By Paul Paterra
The Tribune-Review
WEST NEWTON, Pa. — Three inhabitants of a West Newton house were displaced Thursday night after a blaze in which two firefighters were injured.
Firefighters were called to 323 N. Fourth St. at about 6:10 p.m. for a blaze that apparently started in the basement of the two-story, wood-frame structure, according to Craig Sanner, West Newton assistant fire chief.
The home is the residence of Scott Hunt and his son, also named Scott, Brittany Lester, and Chloe, a black Labrador mixed-breed.
“Upon arrival, we found a fully involved basement fire,” Sanner said. “All occupants were out, including their pet.”
Sanner said Thursday night the cause was still being investigated, but he was “leaning” to an electrical fire in the basement. It was under control in 24 minutes, he said.
Fire damage was confined to the basement, but the rest of the home received smoke and heat damage.
The elder Hunt was working at a garage near the house, Sanner said. Power was lost at the garage, prompting him to come to the house.
“He came up to the main house to check the breaker box, and that’s when he discovered the fire,” Sanner said.
Jacquie Babich, a friend of the victims, said Hunt was able to get to the house in time to save the dog.
“He saw there was smoke going up in the house and the dog was there,” she said. “He got to go up and get the dog out of the house. That’s their pride and joy. That’s their baby.”
Some 50 firefighters from seven area companies responded. Two West Newton firefighters required medical attention. One was taken to Excela Westmoreland Hospital with chest pains, and another suffered a burn on the lower part of his left arm.
Family and friends of the victims exchanged hugs in the back yard after a situation Babich admitted could have been much worse.
“We’re just grateful no one got hurt. No one was here,” she said. “Something bad could have really happened.”
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