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Man Found Dead, Firefighter Injured In Versailles Fire

VERSAILLES (KDKA)- The Allegheny County fire marshal and arson investigators are looking into a deadly fire in Versailles.

The fire started around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night at a home on Walnut Street.

When crews first arrived, there was heavy fire coming from the second floor of the home.

"When we got on scene we were told there was nobody in the house," said Versailles Fire Chief David Obley. "We then heard confirmed entrapment, so I asked again if anyone was inside the house and the answer was "no."  The first crews went in to do a search and fire suppression in the house, that is when they found the victim."

The Allegheny County Coroner's Office says the victim is 70-year-old Arthur Periz.  He was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire.

A firefighter fell and injured his elbow while battling the fire. Another person inside the home was also injured in the fire. They were taken away to the hospital.

Chief Obley told us there were 10 or 11 cats living in the house too -- one of the cats didn't survive.

The home had major fire damage in the back and on the second floor. The rest of the house had major smoke and water damage.

"Actually the house was remodeled several times, so we did have some difficulties," said Chief Obley. "The house was covered in shingles, so that also kept the heat inside.  We had to cut several holes in the side to try and ventilate the heat and get it out."

The chief says the cold temperatures didn't create any issues.

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