Fire near Mahaffey ruled accidental; family left homeless

The Sykesville Volunteer Fire Company assisted other units from four counties this morning at a house fire near Mahaffey. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and the Mahaffey Fire Department investigated the cause of the blaze and ruled it accidental. The cause was an overheated electrical circuit. The house was a total loss, and damage estimates were set at $50,000.00. The loss was not insured.

Six adults and two children were listed as occupants there. They were not injured, however, a family dog was killed in the blaze. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Reynoldsville units were on standby while Sykesville was on scene.