Photo courtesy: Erin Passinger, The Corry Journal
COLUMBUS, Pa. — Six family members were hospitalized Sunday after a large house fire in Columbus Township, east of Corry, that brought firefighters from Erie and Warren counties, as well as western New York, to battle the flames.
The fire broke out just after 2 p.m. at a home at 65 West Main Street. Photographs taken by The Corry Journal showed heavy flames and thick smoke pouring from the sprawling residence.
Corry Fire Chief Chris Lyon told Erie News Now that firefighters had to rescue two people who were trapped on the home’s second floor.
Six family members inside the home at the time of the fire were hospitalized. Three were flown outside the region for treatment of burns and heat-related injuries. Those three included a 14-year-old girl and another teenager. The other three family members were taken to Corry Hospital.
Firefighters faced significant challenges inside the home, including hoarding conditions, blocked doors and windows, and the home’s balloon-frame construction, which can allow fire to spread rapidly through concealed spaces.
The fire spread throughout all three floors of the house, including the attic. It took firefighters approximately three hours to bring the flames under control.
Four Corry firefighters also required medical treatment. They were treated for smoke inhalation, and one also was treated for an arm injury.
A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the fire.