New details released on Conemaugh Township, Boswell structure fires

Beth Ann Miller, The Daily American
·2 min read

More information has been released about the origin of two structure fires that heavily damaged buildings in Conemaugh Township and Boswell Borough on April 21.

The first fire was reported at around 7 a.m. Friday on the 1600 block of Soap Hollow Road, near Tire Hill. Seven fire departments responded to the residence, which was determined to be vacant and up for sale. The state police fire marshal was then called in to investigate.

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About seven fire companies from Somerset and Cambria counties responded to the scene.
About seven fire companies from Somerset and Cambria counties responded to the scene.

Conemaugh Township Police Chief Vincent Zangaglia said in an email to the Daily American on Monday that the fire was determined to be accidental, as they "found an indication of damaged wiring at the point of origin."

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Fire crews were then dispatched at 8:42 a.m. to the second structure fire, which occurred at a residence on the 300 block of Allegheny Street in Boswell Borough. Personnel from eight departments responded to the two-alarm fire, as well as the Somerset Area Ambulance and Conemaugh Township EMS units.

Heavy smoke was visible Friday as fire personnel worked to extinguish the flames inside this Allegheny Street home in Boswell.
Heavy smoke was visible Friday as fire personnel worked to extinguish the flames inside this Allegheny Street home in Boswell.

Boswell Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Michael Sopich said Friday that the fire appeared to have started on the first floor at the rear of the residence, and the state police fire marshal was investigating.

On Tuesday, Steve Limani, public information officer at the Greensburg station of the Pennsylvania State Police, replied in an email to the Daily American that the Boswell fire "originated at or near the first floor kitchen" and that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

The family living at the residence was not at home when the fire started, but five animals at the home perished in the fire.

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This article originally appeared on The Daily American: New details released on Conemaugh Township, Boswell structure fires