Woman dies in house fire in Westmoreland County; Cold temperatures cause challenges for firefighters

DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — It was a tragic scene in Derry Township on Christmas Eve after an elderly woman died in a house fire.

“It plays on your mind. It’s supposed to be a time for happiness, and you see what happens now,” said Chief Mark Piantine of the Derry Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Several Westmoreland County fire departments were dispatched to Pizza Barn Road in Derry Township on Saturday evening after reports of a person trapped inside the home.

PHOTOS: Woman dies in house fire in Westmoreland County, cold temperatures cause challenges for firefighters

“They got through the front door and pulled the person out of the house,” Piantine said.

The woman died from her injuries. Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson identified her as Esther Ann McChesney, 78. Preliminary autopsy results show she died of smoke inhalation and probable carbon monoxide inhalation.

Piantine told Channel 11 her husband was able to escape from the house.

First responders battled the elements and circumstances in single-digit temperatures and less-than-ideal conditions.

“The weather conditions were the worst. It delayed our response because the roads were nothing but a sheet of ice. As you can see, we’re in the process of picking up hose. We put 1,000 feet of hose down to get our water supply. We’re trying to get it picked up before it freezes,” Piantine said.

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating what caused the fire. Piantine said the marshal’s efforts are focused on the kitchen area.

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