SMETHPORT (EC) — The Smethport Fire Department responded early Wednesday morning to reports of a rekindle of Tuesday’s fire that destroyed the Rich Tanner family residence on East Valley Road in Keating Township.
Smethport Deputy Fire Chief Eric Barber said the department answered the 6:40 a.m. alarm with a full company response, but when firemen arrived on scene and realized there was a small amount of smoke from smoldering debris, all but one truck and crew returned to the station. They raked and watered the debris. Port Allegany’s Star Hose Company was also dispatched, but was recalled before reaching the site. Meanwhile, the Norwich Township Volunteer Fire Department stood by at Smethport.
Smethport firemen were in service for approximately one hour, Barber reported.
A state police fire marshal has ruled the cause of Tuesday’s fire as “undeterminable,” Barber added.
