Multiple cats perish in fire that destroyed Finleyville home
A Finleyville woman lost her home and several pet cats to fire early Wednesday.
Finleyville Fire Department Chief Jacob Lawrence said crews were called just before 6 a.m. to 70 Hidden Valley Drive. Firefighters arrived to see heavy flames and smoke coming out of the side of the mobile home.
According to Lawerence, hoarding issues made extinguishing the fire more difficult. He said they were at the scene until about 9:45 a.m.
Lawrence described the single resident as an elderly woman whose identity was not immediately available. Lawrence said there were “a plethora of cats” in the home.
“I’m not sure of an exact number; however, we did rescue one,” Lawrence said.
Kayla Gereshenski, who lives across the street, said the woman lost eight of her nine cats.
“I brought my dog out around 5:30. I went inside and looked out the window, and it’s in flames,” Gereshenski said. “It was really scary.”
Lawrence said the home’s occupant was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. According to Lawrence, she had a place to stay after her home was destroyed. He was not aware if she made use of assistance from the American Red Cross.
The state police fire marshal is investigating the fire. A cause has not been determined. According to Lawrence, it is not considered to be suspicious.
Fire departments from Library, New Eagle, Elrama, Peters Township, Jefferson Hills, Bethel Park and Valley Inn also responded.