VERONA, Pa. — At least five people were displaced after a fire tore through a four-unit apartment home in Verona Thursday.
That fire started just before 5 o’clock and crews were still dumping water on it hours later.
PHOTOS: Crews battle 2-alarm fire at Verona apartments
Everyone who was home at the time did get out thanks in part to a stranger coming home from the grocery store.
“I saw black smoke coming out from the basement,” Erik Kust said. “I pulled my truck over and started going door to door making sure everyone was out.”
That smoke enveloped the entire building as flames spread. At times, we could see fire shooting out of the roof, leading to evacuations by firefighters.
“My daughters’ father called me and said his house was on fire and that it started in the basement,” Desiree Connor told us. “This could’ve been when they were sleeping, so I’m very thankful it happened when it did.”
Her ex was able to get out on his own. A woman and her dogs on the second floor were aided by Kust.
“We heard someone on the second floor screaming ‘I need help. I need help.’ I yelled back ‘I’m on my way,” he said. “It was difficult to see but we got out of there as fast as we could.”
Both Erik and Desiree were thankful that, despite the destruction, everyone is safe.
“I just saw someone that needed help and had to jump in. I’m from this community. I love this community. I did what I expect any good neighbor to do,” Kust said.
The frigid temperatures also played a factor in the fight. Water turned to ice on the sidewalks. We saw one firefighter fall and others slip before salt was thrown.
The fire marshal is investigating the cause.
Desiree said she set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses. You can donate here.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW