Around 1 p.m. firefighters from McVeytown Fire Company were alerted to 598 W. Furnace Road in Oliver Township.

McVeytown Fire Co. Captain Caleb Alexander was the first firefighter to arrive on scene and reported the home to be engulfed on two sides.

Alexander said the homeowner was outside on his arrival and was assisted to an ambulance by members of McVeytown EMS upon their arrival.

Alexander reports that unconventional construction within the home and the continuing winter weather conditions played major factors in the suppression of this stubborn fire.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Firefighters regroup after rescuing a firefighter who fell through the floor.

Alexander reports one firefighter was treated and released at the scene after the floor below him collapsed and he fell through the hole. The home is reported to be a total loss, and the cause of the fire to be under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Lewistown Fire Marshal’s Office. Firefighters had the fire under control around 2 p.m. but remained on scene until Pennsylvania State Police conducted their investigation.

Assisting McVeytown Fire and McVeytown EMS at the scene were Yeagertown Fire Co., Chief Logan Fire Co., Junction Fire Co., Granville Fire Co., West Granville Fire Co., Newton Wayne Fire Co., Mount Union Fire Co., Fame EMS, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Office and local fire police.