Published: June 19, 2009 02:35 pm      

Somerset Township family escapes from burning house

SOMERSET — A family of four fled their burning home early today after fire started in the living room of their one-story house in Somerset Township, authorities said.

Jamie and Tanica Reed and two teenagers got out in time as fire engulfed the home in the 100 block of Windsor Street near Lavansville, Somerset Borough volunteer fire Chief Gary Thomas said.

It’s the second fire in Somerset County within a week.

“Apparently, the husband awoke and smelled smoke,” Thomas said.

The home was equiped with smoke detectors that failed to go off, he said.

The home was well engulfed by flames when firefighters arrived at 1:39 a.m., Thomas said.

“Flames came through the windows, but not the roof,” he said. “We had a quick knock-down. The guys did a good job.”

It’s not clear how the fire started, but Thomas said a state police fire marshal from the Somerset barracks has ruled the blaze accidental. No injuries were reported.

No damage estimated was available. Thomas called the fire damage extensive.

The Red Cross is helping the family and the home was insured, he said.

Firefighters from Bakersville, New Centerville, Sipesville and Rockwood assisted.

Days earlier, a family of six escaped their burning home in Jerome after an electric blanket malfunctioned and started a bedroom on fire.

The fire broke out at the James Shaffer home in the 100 block of Oak Street early Tuesday. The family fled to a neighbor’s home and called 911.

That fire caused an estimated $127,000 damage and also is being ruled accidental.