Firefighter Hurt, Dog Dies in Laurel Gardens Blaze

Investigators are searching for the cause of a stubborn three-alarm fire Monday night in Laurel Gardens. 

The fire broke out at a home at 201 Sixth Ave. shortly after 8 p.m. No one was home at the time, according to Chief Ray Hillenbrand.

“The fire got into the walls, and we had a heck of a time extinguishing it,” he said. "At one point, we thought we had it controlled, but then it spread to the roof." 

A Perrysville volunteer firefighter was treated at a local hospital for a wrist injury and then sent home. Firefighters were unable to save the family dog, Sweet Pea, a large Newfoundland.

In addition to Laurel Gardens, firefighters from , , and #3 fought the fire. 

“Our guys really tried to save the house, but once it got into the roof, it really took off and there wasn’t much we could do,” Chief Hillenbrand said. “It looks like it started in the kitchen area, but it was too hot and humid for the fire marshal to know for sure last night.” 

The fire was declared under control at 10:30 p.m.

According to the Allegheny County real estate web site, the home is owned by Robert and Alison Mullinary. Chief Hillenbrand said the home is insured, and the Red Cross is helping the owners find a place to stay until their insurance company makes other arrangements.