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Hempfield Township House Fire: Family Displaced, Community Rallies

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. use-fire-family-displaced-community-rallies.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 22:16 GMT by WTAE-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. - February 2nd, 2026 - Firefighters successfully contained and extinguished a structure fire that broke out Sunday evening on Timberlane Drive in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. While the initial report indicated a quickly contained incident, the aftermath has revealed a more complex situation, prompting a thorough investigation and sparking a wave of community support for the affected family.

Emergency services received the first call at approximately 7:45 PM on Sunday, January 31st, 2026, with reports of visible flames and smoke emanating from a single-family home on the quiet residential street. Crews from Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department were immediately dispatched, quickly followed by mutual aid requests to neighboring departments including Greensburg, Jeannette, and Level Green. The rapid response proved crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a significant blaze concentrated in the rear of the house, quickly escalating and threatening the entire structure. Witnesses reported seeing flames reaching upwards of 20 feet. Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire with multiple hose lines, focusing on containing the flames and protecting exposures. The coordinated effort between the various departments brought the fire under control within approximately 45 minutes, and it was fully extinguished just after 9:00 PM.

Fortunately, preliminary reports confirm that all occupants of the residence were safely evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. No injuries were reported to residents or firefighters. This is a testament to the quick thinking of the family and the swift, professional response of the fire departments involved.

However, the damage to the home is substantial. Fire officials confirmed the rear of the house sustained significant damage, with smoke and water damage throughout the entire structure. The family - identified as the Millers, consisting of parents David and Sarah, and their two young children, ages 6 and 8 - are currently displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross and local community organizations.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Investigators from the Hempfield Township Fire Department, along with Westmoreland County Fire Marshal's office, are meticulously combing through the debris, searching for any clues as to the origin and cause. While speculation abounds, officials are urging the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information. A preliminary assessment suggests the fire may have originated in the kitchen area, but this remains unconfirmed. Electrical malfunction, a faulty appliance, or even accidental ignition of cooking materials are all possibilities being considered.

Beyond the immediate response, the Hempfield Township community has already begun rallying around the Miller family. A GoFundMe campaign, launched early Monday morning, has already exceeded its initial fundraising goal, demonstrating the incredible generosity of local residents. Donations of clothing, food, and temporary housing are also being coordinated through the Hempfield Township Community Center.

"The response from the community has been overwhelming," stated Mayor Tracey Johnson in a press conference earlier today. "It's heartwarming to see how quickly and willingly people have come together to support the Millers during this difficult time. It truly exemplifies the spirit of Hempfield Township."

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety. The Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a fire safety awareness event next week, offering residents information on smoke detector maintenance, fire escape planning, and general fire prevention tips. Details regarding the event will be available on the township website and social media channels.

The investigation is expected to continue throughout the week, and further updates will be provided as they become available. WTAE will continue to follow this developing story and provide comprehensive coverage as the community supports the Miller family in their recovery.