SMETHPORT — No injuries were reported in a structure fire at 6070 Route 46 in Keating Township around 10:35 a.m. Monday.
The fire was ruled accidental in nature following an investigation by a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and the Smethport Fire Department.
In a press release issued to the media, state police Trooper Russell D. Stewart said the fire originated at the home when the owner, John Carr, 60, of Smethport, was attempting to work on his natural gas heater inside the residence, when the natural gas supplying the heater ignited.
The estimated damage to the structure was $5,000, according to investigators. The homeowners did have insurance, police said. Authorities reported minor damage to the basement and a small section of the first floor.
One truck and crew from the Norwich Township Volunteer Fire Department and three trucks and crews from Star Hose Co. in Port Allegany answered the mutual aid alarm, along with personnel from the McKean County Emergency Management Agency. One Star Hose truck returned to the station. The Rew Volunteer Fire Department also responded, but was recalled.
Firefighters remained in service for about 1 ½ hours, authorities said.
Meanwhile, a crew from the Roulette Chemical Engine #1 remained on stand-by at Star Hose; ambulance 16 also was on stand-by.
