The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

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April 29, 2009

UPDATE: Fire damages county clerk's home

By Joe Pinchot

SHENANGO TOWNSHIP — Fire damaged two rooms Tuesday on the Mitchell Road side of Kathleen M. Kloos’ home in Shenango Township.

At the scene late Tuesday morning, Mrs. Kloos, the Mercer County clerk of courts and register of wills, wasn’t sure if she, her husband and daughter would be allowed to stay in the house.

“I might not want to stay in here tonight,” said the resident of 278 Mitchell. “We have people we can stay with.”

Mrs. Kloos said the fire has shaken her sense of security.

“It’s going to be nerve-racking living here after this,” she said.

Shenango Fire Chief Bill Williams said he did not know the cause of the fire that was called in at 10:24 a.m., and a state police fire marshal was on the away.

Damage was limited to two front rooms, but the blaze took 30 to 45 minutes to bring under control, he said. The old, two-story building had been remodeled and firefighters had to break through new and old walls.

“We couldn’t get into it to put something on it,” Williams said.

Farrell firefighters brought their thermal imaging camera — Williams called it a “heat gun” — to help look for hot spots.

West Middlesex and Wheatland firefighters also assisted.

Mrs. Kloos said she has lived in the house for six years, and it had just been remodeled by the previous owner when she moved in.

Two large gashes could be seen from outside the house.

“There’s a lot of ugliness in there,” said Mrs. Kloos, referring to the interior damage. “It’s tough to watch them breaking in walls and poking holes in the ceiling.”

Mrs. Kloos said she is thankful no one was home and neighbors called in the fire quickly. She also noted a fire hydrant is nearby and firefighters did not have to travel far.

“They got here quick enough and contained it,” she said.

The Klooses are insured.

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