Total Loss

Blaze leaves Somerset County man homeless

Jeffrey Alderton

KENNELLS MILL. Pa. - An apparent accidental fire relating to a wood-burning stove left a Comps Road man homeless Tuesday.

Robert Sarver is now staying with relatives in Meyersdale following the 6:39 a.m. blaze that destroyed his mobile home and addition at 1983 Comps Road, located off Palo Alto Road in Somerset County.

"He was in the shower and came out and found the fire. His hair was singed but he wasn't injured," said Wellersburg Fire Chief Harry Carnell, who directed the fire operation that involved approximately two dozen volunteer firefighters from various companies.

Although Sarver escaped the fire, one of his dogs perished. "He was able to rescue one dog but he couldn't get to the other one," said Carnell.

The fire apparently began in the living room of the residence. "It originated in the area of a wood burner and it appears to be accidental," said Carnell.

Ice-slickened roads hampered firefighters. "We couldn't shuttle water in because it was so slick. That's why we called so many tankers," said Carnell, adding that Southhamptown Township workers applied abrasives to improve the road surface.

Sarver, who had no insurance, lost all his belongings in addition to his residence. Carnell estimated the loss in building and contents at $40,000. The American Red Cross at Johnstown was notified to provide immediate assistance.

People who are willing to make clothing or other donations can call Sarver's family at (814) 634-0280.

The fire was initially reported to the Somerset County Control emergency center.

In addition to Wellersburg Volunteer Fire Company, companies from Hyndman, Shawnee Valley, Mount Savage, Ellerslie, Corriganville, Clarysville, Bedford Road and Eastern Garrett responded to the scene.

Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com.