The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

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November 5, 2008

Flames destroy Sharpsville family’s home

By Courtney Anderson

MERCER COUNTY — A family of five lost everything in an accidental fire Wednesday afternoon at their Sharpsville home, an American Red Cross spokeswoman said.

Firefighters were called at 12:09 p.m. to a blaze at 1832 W. Ridge Ave., Chief Andrew Totin said. No one was home at the time, he said.

Mike and Tracy Ashby and their three children live in the home, which is owned by Eric Larimer of Hermitage, Totin said.

A dog and a cat perished, Totin said, but no humans were hurt.

The fire was ruled an accident and appears to have been caused by an electrical problem in the family room, he said.

It took firefighters more than an hour to get the fire under control because it had spread into the walls, the chief said. Firefighters left shortly before 3 p.m., he said.

Totin said the house was extensively damaged but it ias up to the insurance company to decide if it is a total loss.

What wasn’t burned in the fire was damaged by smoke, Totin said.

Larimer insured the house and Totin said the Ashbys had renter’s insurance.

Leslie Kaluzne of the Mercer County Chapter of the Red Cross said the agency is assisting the Ashbys with lodging, clothes, food and baby items because they have an infant.

She said the Ashbys have good family support, but the agency will be following up with them.

Hermitage, Patagonia and South Pymatuning Township volunteer fire departments assisted, Totin said.

Part of Ridge Avenue near the house was closed for about three hours while firefighters battled the blaze, Totin said.

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