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.

Monessen joins 700-win club
Latest News, Main
September 5, 2026
The Monessen Greyhounds routed Carmichaels Friday night to become the ninth WPIAL school with 700 football victories. See our game coverage in today's Mon Valley Independent. Photo by Jeff Helsel / Mo...
Cleanup begins from flooding, storm damage
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
September 5, 2026
High water shut down several roads Thursday night, prompting rescue teams to be dispatched. Communities across the Mon Valley and southwestern Pennsylvania were cleaning up Friday after severe storms ...
Charleroi’s Little Great Race continues to make a big impact
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
September 5, 2026
Over the race’s nearly four-decade history, more than $100,000 has been raised for local organizations, scholarships and nonprofits. What began in 1987 as a warm-up for Pittsburgh’s Great Race has gro...
Property tax hike hasn’t been considered in Monongahela
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
September 5, 2026
City officials clarify that it’s far too early to begin that process. City officials say no property tax increase has been proposed for 2027 as Monongahela begins the early stages of its budget proces...
Three-vehicle crash in North Charleroi
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
September 5, 2026
Around noon Friday, firefighters from multiple departments responded to a three-vehicle crash in North Charleroi at the intersection near the Charleroi-Monessen bridge. One person was trapped inside o...
Study: Eviction filing rates drop statewide
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
September 5, 2026
Allegheny County recorded roughly 13,600 cases in 2025. By MEGAN TROTTER TribLive Where a Pennsylvania renter lives may play a significant role in what happens after an eviction case is filed. A new s...