Rowhome Gutted in West Ward Blaze

A fire that broke out at 703 Pearl St. at around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday morning was brought under control in about 20 minutes, but it wasn't fast enough to save the home.

Easton Fire Department Chief John Bast said the fire is not suspicious, but investigation into the blaze is ongoing.

“We're not going to release anything just yet,” he said.

Homeowner Shelly Seip was home when her gas stove caught fire, she said. It was unclear whether she was cooking at the time, however initial indications are that the fire may have involved the gas line.

Seip's two cats were killed in the blaze, and her home is considered a total loss, Bast said

Next door neighbor Jennifer Werkheiser was also home when the fire started.

“It was extremely scary,” she said, adding that she heard banging on the door and had just enough time to wake her housemates and get their dogs out of the dwelling as the blaze erupted.

Seip will be staying with family members, she said, and officials indicated the adjacent neighbors are expected to be allowed to return to their homes by Wednesday evening.