HOMESTEAD (KDKA) — The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating an overnight fire that caused significant damage to a house in Homestead.

Firefighters were called to the home located in the 100-block of W. 9th Avenue around 1:30 a.m.

Restoration crews were busy sealing up the home this afternoon.

“We were actually very scared because we didn’t know if anybody was home, if the fire would come our house, what we’re supposed to do,” said Nina Freeman, the neighbor who called in the fire. “We just made sure we dialed 911.”

The fire would go to two alarms, physically taxing firefighters in the heat.

“Upon are arrival, we had heavy smoke on the first and second floor,” said Chief Bill Purifoy, of the Homestead Fire Department. “It’s hot out; members were expending a lot of energy. We put a second alarm in to relieve some of the initial crews.”

The first concern was where was Kelly Green and her three children.

“They were at Dave & Buster’s and they were going to my brother’s house,” said Green of her children. “Thank God no one was here this time.”

A year and 10 days ago, the duplex next door was torched by an arsonist. It had to be torn down.

“We had complete water damage in the house,” said Green of her the damage her home sustained during that fire. “We had to start all over again.”

According to investigators, the fire was not electrical in nature. It appears to have started on the basement steps, which is highly unusual, according to investigators.

For the time being, Green is staying with family and friends along with her children. She says the Red Cross is assisting her.

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