Pa. Man Sleeps Through, Survives Fire

Oct. 11, 2009
ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. --   A man was hospitalized after sleeping through a fire early Sunday morning in Ross Township. Firefighters from seven fire companies were called to 135 Buck Hill Drive at about 2:40 a.m.

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. --

A man was hospitalized after sleeping through a fire early Sunday morning in Ross Township.

Firefighters from seven fire companies were called to 135 Buck Hill Drive at about 2:40 a.m. Upon arrival, crews learned that one person was unaccounted for, but conditions were too dangerous for firefighters to immediately begin a search, 911 officials told WTAE Channel 4 Action News.

Perrysville Volunteer Fire Chief Eric Wissner said crews got the fire under control in about two hours. Crews then went back inside the house during salvage operations, at which time, they found a man in a first-floor bedroom. Authorities said the resident slept through the fire. He taken to UPMC-Mercy for smoke inhalation.

"He kicked the door in, and when he entered the room, the resident actually slid off the mattress onto the floor, which startled the firefighter (who was) not expecting so see anybody," said John Reubi, Ross Township's fire marshal.

Officials said the house had several additions, which helped shield the man's bedroom during the firefight.

A cause remained under investigation.

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