Power lines were major concern as house burned in Elizabeth Twp.

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A house went up in flames Tuesday morning in Elizabeth Township.

The fire was reported about 7 a.m. in the area of Park Alley and Water Street. Police said a 30-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the fire.

When crews first got to the scene, the main fire hydrant wasn’t working. Firefighters suspect the cold temperatures might have caused it to freeze up, so tankers were brought in as their water supply.

The house has been vacant for at least five years, so firefighters said the biggest concern while battling the flames was making sure the power lines above it didn’t catch fire.

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“It could have been near catastrophe. We could’ve ended up probably shutting the whole grid down in the whole valley,” Fire Safety Officer Wayne Lewis said.

Smoke continued to pour from the house after firefighters doused the flames.

Neighbors said they saw someone going in and out of the home over the past few days.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

RAW: Elizabeth Township fire RAW: Elizabeth Township fire

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