SHARPSBURG, Pa. — Investigators told Channel 11 that a fire Monday at a building with three apartments in Sharpsburg may have been started by plumber attempting to defrost some frozen pipes with a blow torch.
Crews from several different fire departments responded to the blaze in the 1500 block of North Canal Street. Blawnox Fire Chief George McBriar said firefighters not only battled the flames, but also freezing temperatures and the apartment homes’ layout.
“You can’t get to one side of the house to the other without a major undertaking,” said McBriar.
More than once, a bell was sounded to warn firefighters battling the blaze of a potential collapse.
According to investigators, the fire appeared to have been started on the second floor by a plumber who was trying to thaw out some pipes with a blow torch.
Three people who were home at the time of the fire escaped without injury. However, one woman’s cat that was rescued had to be put down because it was in such bad shape.
The Salvation Army is helping those displaced by the fire.
There was no word on whether the plumber could face charges.
WPXI
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