Some luck was on the side of a Ferguson Township homeowner today keeping fire damage moderate in the wake of a basement fire. Out and about running errands, the homeowner stopped by the house just to let the dog outside and upon entering was greeted by increasingly heavy smoke. The homeowner evacuated with the dog and called 911. Alpha was dispatched at approximately 11:08 hours and the engine hit the street in one minute. Ferguson PD arrived ahead of the engine and confirmed a working fire prompting Chief 501 (Kauffman) to request an additional engine from Co 3 (Boalsburg). The Engine 510 arrived on scene and initiated a fire attack with Truck 516 arriving quickly thereafter and assisting the engine crew. Control was gained and Chief 501 held the response to units on the street which included Engines 512, 514, and Rescue 518.

This fire caused a pipe to break above a water heater which slowed the fire’s advance. The basement was significantly damaged with minor structural damage to the kitchen above, and smoke throughout the home. The Centre Region Fire Marshal’s office (Bittner) believes the fire originated in a dehumidifier which was situated against a finished wall in the basement. Units cleared the scene at 13:04 hours. The homeowner is temporarily displaced due to significant fire damage to electrical and plumbing systems.