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Hempfield Township House Fire Displaces Resident

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ield-township-house-fire-displaces-resident.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 1:53 GMT by WTAE-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

GREENSBURG, Pa. - February 17, 2026 - A house fire in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, drew a swift response from local firefighters Tuesday morning. The incident, occurring in the 100 block of Kingston Drive, resulted in significant smoke damage and the displacement of one resident. While the blaze was successfully contained, the cause remains under investigation.

Emergency services received the initial call around 6:30 AM EST. Upon arrival, first responders were met with a substantial amount of smoke billowing from the single-family home. Crews immediately initiated fire suppression efforts, focusing on containing the spread and preventing the fire from impacting neighboring properties. Thankfully, due to the quick response and effective tactics employed, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately 45 minutes.

"The speed with which our crews responded and were able to establish a solid containment line was crucial in minimizing the overall damage," stated Fire Chief Michael Davies during a brief on-scene press conference. "We were fortunate that the fire didn't escalate beyond the initial structure, and no injuries were reported."

One occupant was present at the time of the fire and was able to safely evacuate the premises. However, the home has been deemed uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage. The American Red Cross is currently providing assistance to the displaced resident, offering temporary shelter, food, and essential resources. A GoFundMe campaign has also been started by neighbors to help the resident rebuild.

The Westmoreland County Fire Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Hempfield Township Police Department, has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators are meticulously examining the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing the resident to piece together the events leading up to the incident. Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated in the kitchen area, but this remains unconfirmed pending the completion of the investigation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. The American Red Cross recommends that all households have working smoke detectors installed on every level, especially near bedrooms. Regular testing of smoke detectors is essential, and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year. Furthermore, families should develop and practice a fire escape plan, ensuring everyone knows how to safely evacuate the home in the event of an emergency. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) demonstrate a clear correlation between working smoke detectors and reduced fatality rates in residential fires. According to the NFPA, homes with working smoke alarms have a 53% lower risk of fire fatalities.

The Hempfield Township Fire Department has seen a slight uptick in residential fires over the past year, attributed partially to the aging housing stock in the area and increased use of electrical heating appliances during the colder months. The department has been proactively conducting fire safety education programs in the community, targeting both homeowners and school children.

"We continually emphasize the importance of fire prevention and preparedness," Chief Davies added. "It's not just about having smoke detectors; it's about being aware of potential fire hazards and taking steps to mitigate them."

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Residents with information related to the fire are encouraged to contact the Hempfield Township Police Department at 724-555-1212. Local authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.