Crews battle Duncansville blaze
House fire claims two dogs
Firefighters from multiple fire companies battle a blaze at 16429 Dunnings Highway in Duncansville on Thursday. Crews were able to contain the fire to the left side of the rear of the structure. Residents Richard and Sharon Miller were not at home when the fire began. Two of the family’s four dogs died in the blaze. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
First responders tend to a dog injured in a fire along Dunnings Highway in Duncansville on Thursday. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Firefighters from multiple fire companies battle a blaze at 16429 Dunnings Highway in Duncansville on Thursday. Crews were able to contain the fire to the left side of the rear of the structure. Residents Richard and Sharon Miller were not at home when the fire began. Two of the family’s four dogs died in the blaze. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
First responders tend to a dog injured in a fire along Dunnings Highway in Duncansville on Thursday. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
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DUNCANSVILLE -- A home in Duncansville was heavily damaged by a fire on Thursday afternoon, killing two dogs.
When crews from the Duncansville Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene at 16429 Dunnings Highway, flames were coming from the first and second floors of the house, according to Fire Company Chief Mike Gonsman.
"Once everything was set up, we were able to get the flames knocked down quickly," he said.
While crews were able to contain the fire to the left side of the rear of the structure, there was still heavy damage, and it was possible for the house to be a complete loss, Gonsman said.
The residents, Richard and Sharon Miller, were at a friend's house when the fire started, he said.
"They were at a friend's house when they heard the sirens of the fire trucks and realized it was their own house after turning on the police scanner app," Gonsman said.
He said the residents are going to be displaced for a significant amount of time, and the The American Red Cross was notified to provide them with temporary housing.
Jeffery Clark, a nephew of the Millers, said his aunt and uncle lived in the home for more than 10 years.
He said two of the couple's four dogs died in the fire.
The other two dogs were taken to a veterinarian for smoke inhalation.
"It is horrible with Christmas being around the corner. All the presents my aunt bought are now gone, and I know she was really upset about that," Clark said.
Gonsman said there were no challenges and firefighters had a great water source from the borough's hydrant system.
"We did have to sound a second alarm because of personnel shortages -- daytime is a tough time to get crews out," he said.
The fire marshal was investigating to determine the cause of the fire.
Gonsman said there were no injuries to the residents of the home or fire crew members.
Mirror staff writer Cati Keith can be reached at 814-946-7535.