By Richard Gazarik
The Tribune-Review
SALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Firefighters had to allow a house along Route 819 in Salem Township to burn this afternoon because of a lack of water pressure, fire officials said.
The stone and wood house was gutted by the time firefighters were able to muster enough water pressure to fight the blaze, said Hannastown Assistant Fire Chief David Mutansky.
Heavy, black smoke could be seen as far away as Route 22.
Firefighters had to run a line from the nearest hydrant, about one-half mile away on Route 819, through a valley to the house. But by the time they got enough water pressure, the house was destroyed, Mutansky said.
No one was at home at the time, he said.
Firefighters from Crabtree, Forbes Road and Luxor assisted.
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