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Fire Destroys Westmoreland Co. Home

NEW STANTON (KDKA) – A fire in Westmoreland County destroyed a family's home early Monday morning.

According to officials at the scene, the fire broke out in the 300-block of North Main Street around 3 a.m.

By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the house could not be saved.

"When I arrived, it was pretty much [unable to be saved]," New Stanton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brandon Todd said.

The fire is believed to have started in the basement before working its way into the walls.

"It got between the walls and ran clear from the basement to the attic, which we had no access to," Chief Todd said.

According to KDKA-TV's Heather Abraham, the brick walls of the home are still standing, but everything else is destroyed.

"It's gone. [Going to] be nothing but bricks when it's done," neighbor Frank Gorscak said.

Initially, there was concern that the family was inside. However, the homeowners, Barb and Shawn, had spent the night at Seven Springs and sent their two daughters to their grandparents' house.

Hours into fighting the fire, hot spots continued to pop up. According to Chief Todd, the hot spots were a result of gas continuing to fuel the fire.

Columbia Gas eventually found the gas line and shut it off.

For Barb, the loss of her house is a lifetime of memories lost. It was the same home she grew up in.

The Red Cross is assisting the family and they plan to stay with relatives.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

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