Investigation: Gallitzin fire likely started in vehicle; efforts ongoing to support family displaced by blaze
Dec. 29—GALLITZIN, Pa. — A fire that gutted a Gallitzin Borough home on Tuesday has been ruled accidental, Gallitzin fire Chief Jim Nagle said on Thursday.
A state police fire marshal investigated at the property after firefighters from seven departments battled the blaze for hours. Investigators ruled out the possibility of foul play, Nagle said, and the fire is not considered suspicious.
The investigation determined that the fire likely started in a vehicle that was parked in front of the house, then spread to the front of the house, Nagle said.
The property was deemed a total loss and the car was also destroyed by the fire, Nagle said earlier this week.
Two residents of the home were rescued from a porch roof after the fire broke out early Tuesday morning, shortly after midnight.
The family of eight was left homeless and is now staying with relatives, Nagle said this week.
Community efforts remain ongoing to support the family. A collection site was established at the Gallitzin Borough office, 411 Convent St.
Community organizers are planning to hold a basket raffle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at Gallitzin's High Rollers Bowling Center, Gallitzin Borough Secretary Elizabeth Owens said. Anyone wishing to donate a basket can drop it off at the borough office by Jan. 18, she said.
Owens praised the community's response in rallying around the family during the holiday season.
"We got to take care of our own," she said. "My heart breaks for that family."
