UPPER ST. CLAIR, Pa. — At least one person was hospitalized, and multiple properties were damaged, as a mansion went up in flames in Upper Saint Clair on Monday.
Emergency crews were called to the home, which was still being built on Scarlett Drive, shortly after 11 a.m.
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“It sounded like this big thud, it must have been some type of explosion in the garage,” said neighbor Bryan Mathews.
Within minutes, the structure was fully engulfed.
Mathews is among a handful of homeowners who faced property damage as strong winds sent embers flying all across the neighborhood.
“The coals were dropping down on people’s mulch beds, smoldering,” said neighbor Tanner Murray.
Officials reported one person being transported to the hospital. Neighbors shared video of one man seen with burns. Channel 11 also spoke with a young woman who claimed an ember struck her in the face.
“It is generally windy up here, but this is exceptional today, and it did lead to the rapid spread of fire, not only through the structure, but the entire neighborhood,” said Matt Serakowski, Upper St. Clair Township Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator.
Several neighbors reported jumping into action, using residential hoses to put out smaller fires around the neighborhood and help one another. Residents also told Channel 11 they were asked to turn on their sprinklers.
Fire marshal investigators are working to determine what caused the explosive noise and subsequent fire.
Channel 11 did spot several charred, large cannisters on the property.
The property owner was reportedly building the estate alongside a family member and neighbors said a wedding was held on the grounds this last weekend.
Officials weren’t prepared to report who exactly was present on the construction site when the fire started.
“We do have reports of contractors and or caterers in the area, being in and around the property,” Serakowski said. “That’s all a part of our investigation.”