Fast-acting police douse attic fire in New Kensington

Two New Kensington police officers are being credited with dousing an electrical fire Wednesday morning in a house on Constitution Boulevard.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was reported at about 9:30 a.m. in the attic of a home in the 500 block of Constitution Boulevard, but it caused at least $15,000 in damage.

Sgt. Paul Manko and Patrolman Christian Baker used large buckets to throw water on the blaze, according to First Assistant Fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr.

‘'Their bucket brigade really quenched the blaze, and firefighters were able to stretch a hose minutes later,” he said.

Saliba said the fire apparently was started by a short circuit in an electrical extension that was under clothing.

“Police threw about six garbage-can size buckets on the fire,” Saliba said. “Firefighters then put more (water) on the clothing to make sure it was out, but they really quenched the fire.”

Someone outside the house alerted Westmoreland County 911 and notified police and fire units.

“It's fortunate that someone did make a call,” Saliba said. “The people inside were able to get out.”

Homeowner Jamal Yemani said he has lived in the house since 2002.

The blaze caused water and smoke damage on the third floor and lesser damage on the second and first floors. But there was smoke throughout the home.

“I lost my clothes,” Yemani said.

Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4711 or cbiedka@tribweb.com.