AUSTIN, Pa. (Monday, Sept. 22) — Emporium Volunteer Fire Department responded just after midnight Monday on a second alarm to assist Austin Fire Department with a heavily involved house fire, officials said.

Emporium sent both engines, a tanker, the chief and assistant 14-1 to the scene. Crews made an initial attack before shifting to defensive operations when the structure was declared unsafe. Firefighters spent about two hours performing overhaul and used compressed air foam to coat the building to prevent rekindling.

All 14 units were cleared by 3:52 a.m. Departments from Coudersport and Port Allegany also assisted at the scene.