Donations sought to aid family after Monessen fire

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.

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