A quiet stretch of Kenneth Avenue in Arnold turned chaotic Saturday afternoon when a two-alarm fire tore through a residential block in Westmoreland County. Firefighters from Arnold and neighboring departments spent hours on scene working to stop the flames from jumping to nearby homes, as neighbors watched heavy smoke pour over the 2000 block while engines and ladder trucks crowded the street.
According to WTAE, Westmoreland County dispatchers confirmed that crews were dispatched to the 2000 block of Kenneth Avenue, with the first units arriving around 3:30 p.m. The response was bumped up to a two-alarm fire as more manpower and equipment were called in to help contain the blaze.
Local crews stretched by recent runs
Volunteer fire companies around Westmoreland County have not had much downtime lately, with a run of serious calls keeping mutual-aid partners busy. Earlier this month, an early-June house fire in Washington Township left a home gutted, a reminder of just how demanding this stretch has been for local firefighters.
What officials say
As of now, officials have not released any details on possible injuries or what might have sparked the Kenneth Avenue fire. WTAE reports it is still working to learn whether anyone was hurt and if investigators have been called in to sift through the damage. Residents looking for more information are being urged to keep an eye on county dispatch feeds and local news outlets for formal updates.
