BREAKING NEWS

Petrolia Business Damaged by Fire

February 6, 2007 -- A fire reportedly damaged Alan's Road House on 117 Main St., just before noon on Monday, February 5. Petrolia VFD, along with neighboring companies battled te blaze on what may have been the coldest day of the season, with wind chills well below zero.

The fire reportedly was started by a heat gun being used to thaw frozen pipes.

More on the story as information becomes available.

Parker Family of Five Homeless After Fire
By: Jonathan E. Anschutz

Parker City firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire in the city at 10:09 hours, February 3, 2007.

The home was owned by Ron and Augustine Dunkle who were home at the time with their three children. The family escaped the blaze unharmed.

Fire arriving units reported the structure was fully involved with heavy fire showing from the second floor of the residence. Approximately 35 firefighters from Parker, Emlenton, Callensburg, Eau Claire, Bruin, and Petrolia battled the blaze. The last units cleared the scene at approximately 15:00 hours.

A small rekindle was reported during the initial investigation, but was quickly knocked down by Parker firefighters.

According to Fire Chief Rick Amsler, the home was uninsured and is a total loss. Amsler says the family reported the fire started in an upstairs bedroom. There was no electrical service to the home, which was supplied with electricity by three generators.

Extreme cold and high wind hampered firefighting efforts, which focused on protecting exposures. The closest home was reportedly thirty feet away.

The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross. Those wishing to make donations may send them to the Parker Volunteer Fire Dept., Box 141, Parker 16049. All donations should be marked "for the Dunkle family."

The PA State Police Fire Marshall is reportedly investigating.

The Parker City VFD also runs mutual aid calls to Foxburg, Perry Twp, St. Petersburg, Emlenton, Eau Claire, Bruin, and Petrolia.

There are about thirty active members of the Parker City VFD and QRS. Our QRS team responds on all fire calls with the fire dept. and responds for BLS medical calls in our fire coverage area. The QRS is assisted by Emlenton or Petrolia Ambulance services.

The fire department provides the following services to our response area: