Monongahela family devastated after losing home, pets in fire

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
A Monongahela family is unsure what the future holds after losing everything in a house fire Tuesday night.
First responders were called to a structure fire on Jackson Street in Monongahela just after 8:30 p.m.
A 911 caller reported flames and smoke coming from the home, with residents unable to evacuate. Police confirmed there was a working structure fire with residents on the roof of the home.
They later said those inside were able to evacuate, while heavy fire was still showing, but pets were reportedly trapped inside.
The home belonged to state constable James T. Smith and his wife Janice, where they lived with their adult son and three family pets.
On Wednesday, as the family surveyed the damage and tried to salvage what they could, they are unsure what the next chapter holds for them.
James said he and his wife have owned the home since 1986, but it has been in his family for generations.
He said he and his wife were home when smoke started to fill the home.

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