House fire displaces Castle Shannon family

A fire early Tuesday morning destroyed the home of a Castle Shannon family, leaving them homeless just a few days before Christmas.
According to Bill Reffner, fire chief of the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, the fire at 3564 Middleboro Road started shortly before midnight and was caused by a malfunctioning oxygen tank. It is not clear what exactly went wrong with the tank, said Reffner, adding that it is obvious the fire was accidental.
When fire fighters arrived, they found the fire had started in an addition to the home, but quickly moved to the main part of the house, Reffner said. The home was occupied by the Mangan family and Allegheny County property records list Caley P. Mangan as the owner.
Reffner said there was a woman sitting in the family room when they arrived. She was taken to a hospital with third degree burns down the left side of her body. Neither Reffner or Castle Shannon police had her first or last name, or what hospital she was taken to.
Besides the woman, two girls, ages 9 and 10, were removed from the home and are staying with relatives. Two dogs, a cat and a hamster perished as a result of the fire. A frog and two turtles, which were in the basement, were saved, Reffner said.
Reffner said his department was assisted by fire departments from Mt. Lebanon, Whitehall, Dormont and Bethel Park.
A fund has been established at the First National Bank branch at 600 Castle Shannon Boulevard to help the family. Donations are also being accepted online at www.gofundme.com/9nfyphz8.