Donations sought to aid family after Monessen fire
Latest News
February 8, 2021

Donations sought to aid family after Monessen fire

By Mon Valley Independent

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

A Monessen family lost everything they own in a fast-moving fire Sunday night at a city apartment complex, but the damage could have been a lot worse if not for the quick action of Mon Valley firefighters.

Monessen Municipal Fire Chief Delmar Hepple said the call came in around 8:20 p.m.

Hepple, who lives a few blocks away, walked outside and saw smoke billowing from the complex, located in the 400 block of Park Manor Road.

When he and other crews arrived, there were flames shooting from the back of the building with heavy black smoke filling the air.

“The first crews that arrived from Monessen had a quick knock down,” Hepple said. “They did a great job.” 

Monessen police evacuated the building, which has between six and eight units. 

“Monessen police evacuated the building because we thought the fire was running along the roof, but we were able to hold it back,” Hepple said. 

It appears the fire started on the third floor in the bedroom of an apartment unit located in the rear of the building. A state police fire marshal was called to investigate.

No injuries were reported, but the family who lives in the unit has been displaced as the apartment is a complete loss.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Tuesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.

Puppy love for Santa in Charleroi
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Bailee Jo Tiernan, 12, of Washington Township and her puppy Buddy visited Santa at Charleroi’s Light-Up Night on Friday. See more photos on A2 and in our online photo gallery at www.monvalleyindepende...
PUC decision puts request for water rate hike on hold
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 6, 2025
A formal investigation of Pennsylvania American’s request will be conducted, with a final ruling not expected until August. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday put the brakes on a s...
U.S. Steel fined for leaking oil into Monongahela River
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The $135,000 fine is part of an agreement with the Pennsylvania DEP. By JACK TROY TribLive U.S. Steel must pay $135,000 and establish stronger pollution controls after environmental regulators found t...
McKeesport Area school board changes leaders
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 6, 2025
David Seropian was chosen as president for 2026, with Jason Pavlecic as vice president. The McKeesport Area school board changed its leadership and welcomed new members during Thursday’s meeting. The ...
Holly Day celebration in California
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Stephen Shamay, 10, Olivia Rice, 8, Clayton Rice, 4, and Brielle Rice, 6, all of California Borough, pose for a photo with Santa during Friday’s Holly Day Celebration at Hollywood Pavilion in Californ...
Area just misses breaking coldest temperature record
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The low was 13, which is one degree warmer than the mark set in 1976. By MEGAN SWIFT TribLive Western Pennsylvania was just one degree short Friday morning of breaking the record for the coldest tempe...