HORTON TOWNSHIP – An early morning fire that destroyed a garage and damaged two residences remains under investigation after it ignited at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday at 4917 Route 219 in Horton Township, according to the Ridgway-based state police.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and the Horton Township Fire Department investigated the origin and cause of the fire. The fire destroyed a wooden-framed, single-stall garage and damaged two, residential dwellings.
State police said the fire originated in the garage and spread to the residence that was only a few feet away. The victim, Hazel E. Courson, 76, of Brockport and three other occupants – Lori Hollobaugh, 48; April Dutka, 29; and Jason Young, 30 – were asleep at the time of the fire. All four escaped without injury.
Radiant heat from the garage fire also damaged the residence located at 4933 Route 219. That residence is occupied by Alan and Mary Moore of Brockport, state police said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $150,000, state police said. The Horton Township Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Fox Township, Brockway, Ridgway, Falls Creek and DuBois fire departments and the American Red Cross.
