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EAST MILLCREEK — Fire broke out at the same home twice within 12 hours, causing thousands of dollars in damage and killing four dogs.
Investigators do not suspect arson but think a hot spot that crews missed Wednesday night may have reignited early Thursday, according to Unified Fire Battalion Chief Brian Anderton.
The home at 2239 E. Atkin Ave. (2830 South) erupted in flames around 4:30 a.m.
Crews battled the fire from the outside Thursday morning because the "risk of putting guys inside was not worth" putting firefighters in harms way, Anderton said. Damage was estimated at $150,000.
Firefighters first responded to the home around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Anderton said. There were no smoke alarms in the house and four dogs were killed. Crews were able to contain the fire to one room.
"(It) sounds like our guys were facing a lot of clutter," he said. "It really complicated and slowed down our fire attack, but we were still able to contain it pretty much to one room with smoke damage extending throughout the house."
The homeowner was not home during either of the fires. Investigators believe the initial fire was likely caused by an unattended cigarette.
Firefighters said they can offer assistance to residents who may not be able to afford smoke detectors.
Video Contributor: Shara Park
