Weekend fires strike four homes

Two major fires in Cameron County last Saturday morning caused extensive property damage, but no serious injuries.

Firefighters from Emporium were summoned to the Bill and Cathy Hoffman residence near Keating Summit in Keating Township, Potter County, before daybreak. The home was fully engulfed in flames when volunteers arrived on the scene.

The Hoffmans were out of town at the time. The home and its contents were described by fire officials as a total loss. Fire companies from Norwich Township, Austin, Port Allegany and Smethport also responded.

A second alarm sounded at about 8 a.m., sending firefighters to the scene of a blaze in the southern Cameron County borough of Driftwood (top).

It started in the residence of Jeff Smeal, owner of the popular Weebull's Bar and Restaurant in Driftwood. Smeal and another occupant, as well as three guests, were able to escape the rapidly spreading fire.

Flames spread to an adjacent Chestnut Street home of Mary Williams, causing serious property damage. The fire also heavily damaged the Windstream telephone exchange building, next to the Smeal residence on Rt. 120.

Intense heat from the fire melted siding and window shutters at a home across Rt. 120.

Emporium firefighters rushed to the scene from the Keating Summit fire. Sinnemahoning Fire Department personnel, who had been standing by at the Austin Firehall, also responded, as did departments from St. Marys and Jay Township.

Firefighters used tankers and portable reservoirs to feed hoses as they worked to control the spread of the fire.

Townspeople and the American Red Cross assisted the victims. Emergeny responders were provided with refreshments after their exhausting day by the Cabin Kitchen in Emporium, the Willows in Sinnemahoning, Fulton's Store in Driftwood and the Emporium Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxiliary.

Valerie Gaberseck is organizing a drive to help Jeff Smeal and Melinda Sherry and two girls, soliciting clothing, furniture and financial assistance. She can be contacted for additional information at 486-2474 or 562-0099.