1 person hurt, dog killed in fire that destroyed West Deer mobile home

WEST DEER, Pa. — A man was injured following a mobile home fire in West Deer on Friday morning.

The fire started around 6 a.m. in the 300 block of Inwood Court. When emergency crews arrived, they found that the man living in the home had escaped through a window. Although the extent of his injuries remains unclear, he reportedly suffered severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Tragically, his dog was trapped inside the home and did not survive. The mobile home was declared a complete loss.

“Trailer fires are often smaller and more cramped, making it more challenging for firefighters to work,” said Lieutenant Luke Smith of West Deer Fire Department. “This type of fire differs from a standard residential structure fire.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Smith noted that there is always an added risk when fighting fires in mobile homes, especially those that use propane heating.

“We noticed that right outside the front door was the electric meter for the residence,” Smith explained.

Crews also found large, highly flammable propane tanks located near the home. “We moved those away from the residence. The gas company assisted us, and we have determined that there is currently no propane or gas feeding the home, so we’re unsure what was used for heating,” Smith said.

Officials believe the owner may have been using some form of electric heater for warmth, but the Fire Marshal will ultimately confirm the fire’s cause.

“It can be a little nerve-racking when the source of fuel is unknown,” he added. “Fortunately, we did not encounter any issues with the utilities.”

The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.

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