Penns Valley family displaced, house heavily damaged after attic fire
A Penns Valley family was displaced Thursday evening after a fire ripped through the attic of their two-story home.
No injuries were reported, but Millheim Fire Co. Chief Delmer Homan told the Centre Daily Times the home along the 300 block of Coburn Road in Penn Township was heavily damaged.
About 60 volunteer firefighters from eight companies were dispatched about 7:15 p.m. Thursday. Video posted to social media showed flames shooting from the attic and smoke filling the air.
Homan said the belief is the fire was caused by a woodstove pipe that pulled away from the chimney. Firefighters first attacked the blaze from the exterior with water that was shuttled from Pine Creek before they ultimately entered the home. It was under control by about 8:30 p.m.
The fire was largely contained to the attic, though Homan said water and smoke did “quite a bit of damage” to the rest of the house. He said he believes it can be repaired.
After the family evacuated, Homan said he was told they are staying with nearby family members.
Millheim was assisted by fire companies from Boalsburg, Centre Hall, Gregg Township, Miles Township, Milesburg, Pleasant Gap and State College.