Greencastle woman burned in grease fire

April 28, 2009|By JENNIFER FITCH

GREENCASTLE, Pa. -- A woman was burned in a grease fire that caused major damage to portions of an Antrim Township, Pa., duplex early Tuesday.

Debora Mose, of 9740 Antrim Church Road, suffered minor burns to her face, hands and chest, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Jeff Sarver said. She also suffered smoke inhalation, he said.

Mose was treated at Chambersburg (Pa.) Hospital and released, a hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday afternoon.

Mose started to warm grease on the stove to make french fries at approximately 1 a.m., then went into her first-floor living room and forgot about the grease, Sarver said.

"The actual burner itself was on the high position," he said.

Mose discovered the fire and attempted to put it out with a rug, which caused the flames to spread. The pan crashed to the floor, according to the fire marshal.

A 911 call dispatched the Greencastle Rescue Hose Co. at 2:04 a.m. Fire officials said the first responders found heavy smoke coming from the first floor of the two-story brick duplex.

All occupants had evacuated by that time, fire officials said.

The Poper family, with two adults and three young children, live on the second floor, Sarver said.

Firefighters from Rescue Hose Co., New Franklin, Waynesboro, Marion, Franklin, Mont Alto and MMP&W had the fire under control by 2:37 a.m. Crews remained on the scene for another 2 1/2 hours to remove debris and stabilize the house.

"The damage was severe," Sarver said.

The Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross offered assistance to the residents, police said.

-- Jennifer Fitch

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