WEST VIEW (KDKA) – Investigators are still working to determine how a fire started in West View overnight.

According to officials at the scene, the fire broke out at a home on Fairview Avenue around 10:45 p.m.

“As soon as I looked out the window, the whole porch was engulfed in flames,” Nan Kowalski said.

“By the time the first truck arrived, the fire was already going into the second floor from the porch,” West View Fire Marshal Chuck Kovack said

A family of six lost their home in the fire. Officials said only one woman was inside when it started and she was able to make it out unharmed.

But the fire wasn’t through causing damage just yet.

“I ran for the phone to call 911 and Shelly, who lives next door, was beating on the door, ‘My house is on fire, my house is on fire,’” Tim McCarthy said.

McCarthy initially woke up from the brightness of the flames and quickly realized that his home could be next.

As the threat increased of the home next door catching fire, the homeowner and neighbors rushed to get several pets out of the home.

Tim and his wife sat anxiously while the fire made it into their attic. Crews worked quickly and the McCarthy’s home was spared, for the most part.

The Red Cross said they are helping the family whose home was lost in the fire with clothing, food and shelter.

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