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Fire claims Snyder Twp. home

Residents, dog able to get out safely

By Andrew Mollenauer 2 min read
Multiple volunteer fire companies battled a dwelling fire on the 14000 block of South Eagle Valley Road north of Tyrone a little before noon on Tuesday. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

TYRONE -- Two residents were left without a home after a fire swept through their residence Tuesday morning on the 14000 block of South Eagle Valley Road in Snyder Township.

The fire was reported about 11:17 a.m. when a suspected grease fire spread quickly through the home, said resident Tonia Bennett.

The home was deemed a total loss, Bald Eagle Fire Chief Bradley Oswalt said.

While Oswalt said the fire remains under investigation, Bennett said her husband was cooking when the fire began.

"He tried to put it out but couldn't," she said.

Bennett, who wasn't home at the time, said her husband and their dog were able to get out of the home unharmed.

More than 40 firefighters from Bald Eagle, Tyrone, Bellwood, Pinecroft, Warriors Mark, Port Matilda, Alpha, Columbia and United were on scene to fight the flames.

According to Oswalt, one firefighter was taken to UPMC Altoona after suffering from heat exhaustion while fighting the blaze.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced couple with finding a place to stay, Bennett said.

Losing her home of more than two decades has left Bennett "emotionally distraught," she said.

"It's just sad," she said. "I'm just happy Steven and the dog made it out. The firemen did all the work, but I'm exhausted."

Bennett said she is grateful for the emergency personnel who assisted on scene.

"Thank you to all personnel for doing what you do," Bennett said.

Mirror Staff writer Andrew Mollenauer is at 814-946-7428.

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