Massive blaze at family-owned fuel facility in Homer City under investigation

HOMER CITY, Pa. — Several fire departments battled a massive blaze at a heating oil and propane business in Homer City Thursday morning.

Officials said the fire was first reported just before 5 a.m. when neighbors said they heard several explosions at Accent Fuels on West Indiana Street.  

The business is family-owned.  Jane and Harold Coleman started it in 1964 and sold it to their sons recently.  The company provides heating fuel, among other things, to customers.

"I could see it from my house. I knew then we were in trouble," Homer City Fire Chief Terry Gardner said.

One firefighter was treated for a minor injury, but no other injuries were reported.

Gardner said crews had some water issues while battling the blaze because several hydrants weren't working.

Several nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution; however, firefighters said there was no danger to the air quality in the area or people living nearby.

"We came out and it was explosion after explosion after explosion. Then, just horrible black smoke," Judy Reed said.

Reed said she instantly jumped into action to make sure her neighbors were safe.

"I hurried up and went and got the neighbors. I woke up both neighbors because I know there was fuel in there and I figured 'explosion,'" Reed said.

Evacuated neighbors hugged the Coleman family.

"It's devastating," said Jane Coleman.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.