Cause of Derry Twp. fire undetermined

A state police fire marshal said Friday that he was unable to determine what caused this week's fire in Derry Township that left a family homeless and a teenager with burns on his hands.

Trooper Jake Andolina said yesterday that the extent of damage to the house off Route 22, across from the Cheese House, kept him from finding the origin.

The home, owned by Mike Marron, 45, was destroyed in the blaze that broke out shortly before 3:40 p.m. Monday.

Authorities estimated the loss at $150,000.

Blairsville fire Chief Dan Duralia said the 15-year-old boy who was injured in the blaze discovered the fire shortly after he returned home from school.

The teen, who was not identified, suffered minor burns to his hands while trying to pull a burning couch from the home, police said. He was taken by his mother to Excela Latrobe Area Hospital for treatment.

In addition to the teen and parents, children ages 6 and 9 lived in the home.

The American Red Cross and other agencies were helping the family, authorities said.