Ross House Fire Blamed on Cigarettes

Ross Township Fire Marshal John Reubi said the cause of Thursday's fire at a home at 100 William Street in Ross was an accident, likely started by improperly discarded cigarettes.

"We think it started in a plastic garbage can on the back porch," said Reubi. "Luckily the homeowner and a neighbor used a garden hose to keep it from spreading until firefighters arrived."

No one was hurt. Homeowner Edward Palma told North Hills Patch that he was in the basement, watching television, when he noticed a flame on the back porch. 

"I look up and see through the basement window what looks like to me a sparkler. The fire started in the window well, I’m thinking, I don't know," he said. "By the time I got upstairs, it was already engulfed, the whole back porch, and the roof.” 

The fire was mainly contained to the rear porch, but there was smoke damage throughout the house.

The American Red Cross is helping Palma and four members of his family with food and shelter until repairs can be made.

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