Wood-burning stove suspected in Millersville house fire

Fire officials say the home that burned Wednesday at 775 County Road 468 was too far gone for any investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze that claimed the lives of four dogs.

But because witnesses reported seeing flames coming through the roof where a flue was located, the best guess is the home's wood-burning stove is to blame, said Millersville Fire Department assistant chief Jerry Aufdenberg.

The John Gohn family was not at home during the fire and could not be reached for comment.

In addition to the house, two vehicles in the garage and four parked outside were also burning when Millersville firefighters arrived at 4:29 p.m., 16 minutes after receiving the call.

"Between the six vehicles and the house, we had a pretty big job," Aufdenberg said. "The nearest house was 60 to 70 feet away and the fire melted the siding on their gable, so it was pretty hot."

Though the Fruitland Fire Department was initially called to bring mutual aid, they were cancelled when it was determined there was nothing left to save.

"All we did then was surround and drown it," Aufdenberg said.