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On Tuesday April 21, 2003 at approximately 2312 hrs stations 118 (Carnegie) and 715 (Carnegie EMS) were dispatched for a residential structure fire at 445 Fountain St.  Medic 716 first to arrive on scene reported a fully involved structure. Flames were through the roof. The resident of the exposure on Side 2 was wetting his home with a garden hose. E118 arrived on scene and immediately began a defensive attack utilizing multiple 1 3/4 lines and the deck gun. The electrical wires burned off of the house creating a hazard. Duquesne light notified immediately. E118-2 arrived on scene laying 1000ft of dual 3" supply line. Additional 1 3/4 lines deployed. The metal roof and the rear of the structure collapsed. There were no injuries to any firefighters or residents, however a cat perished in the blaze. The entire incident was placed under control at 0049hrs.  The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was notified and began investigating. The resident of the structure reported that he was using a Kerosene heater in the computer room when it exploded catching the carpet on fire. He threw water on the fire but the fire spread. The residents father lived next door and was using the same type of Kerosene heater. The resident was bringing out the heater when it ignited. The resident threw the heater down the front steps narrowly missing the retreating fire marshal. It was determined that the resident had purchased gasoline instead of Kerosene. The investigation continues. This was the second of three structure fires in 14 days in Carnegie.

Pictures and Story Provided by: Robert Bogdon