Jun 12, 2024 By Paul Paterra 2 min read

Firefighters from multiple Mon Valley departments responded to a fire that spread through three houses in Donora Wednesday.

Donora Mayor Don Pavelko said the call came in shortly before 4 p.m. for a fire that originated at 133 Thompson Ave. The fire then spread to the houses on each side of that home. As of 5:30 p.m, Pavelko said firefighters still “had a lot of work to do.”

“That thing was burning so hot,” Pavelko said. “I’m assuming that the middle structure was the one where the fire started. I watched them hit it from three sides. It looked like a coke oven battery.”

There were no injuries, and all occupants were able to get out safely. Pavelko said one of the houses was vacant, another was the home of a family and the third had one occupant.

Initial calls to Washington County 911 indicated that people were trapped inside one of the buildings, but Donora Fire Chief Patsy Vince quickly reported that everyone had escaped the burning structures.

“Everybody is accounted for,” Pavelko said. “That’s my main thing, as long as nobody is hurt or worse, it’s a blessing.”

Fire companies responding to the scene included Donora, Carroll Township, Washington Township, New Eagle, Valley Inn, Monongahela, Charleroi and Gallatin Sunnyside. Rochester West Newton EMS and Fayette EMS also responded.