Published: June 19, 2009 11:55 pm      

Family escapes burning home

LAVANSVILLE — A family of four fled their burning home early Friday after a 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 as fire engulfed the home in the 100 block of Windsor Street near Lavansville, said Somerset Borough volunteer fire Chief Gary Thomas

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

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

The home was equipped with smoke detectors but they 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 knockdown. 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.

A damage estimate was not available. Thomas said the fire damage was extensive.

The home was insured, he said.

The Red Cross is helping the family.

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 fire in a bedroom.

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 damage estimated at $127,000.

It also is being ruled accidental.