On May 10 at 5:48 p.m. the Millcreek Township Fire Department (MFD), the Millcreek Paramedic Service (MPS) and volunteers from Kearsarge, West Ridge, and West Lake Fire Departments were dispatched to 1550 High Street for a fire reported within the residence.
Just three minutes later the home was filled with heavy smoke and fire. Additional assistance was called for firefighters from the City of Erie, Perry Hi-Way, Belle Valley, and additional EMS personnel from West County Paramedic Association. Several off-duty MFD personnel returned for station coverage.
The first floor of the home was completely engulfed in flames, that had begun to extend to the second floor. The fire was contained by 6:27 p.m. Two residents of the home were taken to UPMC Hamot for burns and respiratory problems.
One of the residents a 34-year-old male was later taken by medical helicopter to Pittsburgh for burns to his airway. Conditions of both residents are unknown at this time.
Three cats had gone missing during the fire, so far only one has been found. The owners were able to escape the home with their dogs.
The home sustained heavy smoke, fire, with additional water damage estimating in between $175,000 to $200,000 in losses. The fire was determined to be accidental.
The Red Cross is providing assistance for the family. A GoFundMe has been created in hopes to help provide some assistance to the family and can be found online here.