A state police fire marshal reported he is unable to determine the nature of a fast-moving fire that destroyed a two-story home Tuesday in Unity Township.
No injuries were reported during the 5:20 a.m. blaze in the 600 block of Charles Houck Road, said Whitney-Hostetter fire Chief Tony Matuszky.
"When we pulled up, the fire was already blowing out all of the windows and out of the eaves. It was a total loss," Matuszky said.
The damage was estimated at $110,000, according to Tpr. Seth Helman, who noted the house had been vacant "for quite some time."
Officials said the house was deemed uninhabitable because of hoarding and was condemned in August, but neighbors said the woman who had lived there often returned, news partner WPXI-TV reported.
Firefighters experienced a few tense moments when neighbors said the woman might still be inside.
"However, fortunately it turned out she was shopping at Wal-Mart," Matuszky said.
Firefighters remained on the scene late Tuesday morning dousing hot spots, Matuszky said.
The Red Cross is assisting the homeowner. The home was insured, Matuszky said.
Anyone with information about the fire was asked to contact the state police fire marshal unit at 724-832-3288.
Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ppeirce_trib.
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