RIDGWAY — A fire late Friday night in Jones Township caused a portion of U.S. Route 219 to close temporarily and left one firefighter injured.
Ridgway-based state police fire marshal David Powell said at 10:15 p.m. Friday, a fire started in a single-story, wood-frame home at 1016 Burning Well Road along Route 219. The homeowners saw “a haze of smoke,” then discovered there was smoke in the bathroom, according to Powell. When they found flames inside a light/exhaust fan/heater mounted to the ceiling, they used a fire extinguisher on it while alerting 911 about the fire.
“The fire extended into the ceiling and attic area above the bathroom, causing moderate to severe fire damage,” Powell said.
The homeowner is listed as Alvin Bernard Swanson.
Powell said the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical issue in the light/fan/heater unit or next to the unit.
Damage from the fire, smoke and water has been estimated at $75,000, and the homeowners have insurance on the residence, he said.
A firefighter was taken to Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys for treatment of injuries suffered in the blaze. Police did not identify the firefighter or say the nature or seriousness of that person’s injuries.
