SHARON Firefighters force way into burning house

The homeowners weren't home at the time of the fire.
SHARON, Pa. -- City firefighters said neighbors who smelled smoke led them to a burning house in the 300 block of Spruce Avenue.
Residents of the area reported noticing smoke shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, and smoke was coming from upper-floor windows when firefighters reached 386 Spruce Ave., said Capt. Michael Donato.
The owners, Albert and Maria Klaric, and their dog were not at home and firefighters had to force open the front door to get at the flames, Donato said.
The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined, but Donato said it appeared to be accidental.
It started in the northeast corner of the dining room, which is in the center of the first floor, he said.
The fire spread up the walls to the ceiling and to the adjacent living room ceiling before it could be extinguished, he said.
There was water damage to the first floor and extensive heat and smoke damage to the second and third floors of the three-story brick home, Donato said.
The loss was insured and there were no injuries, he said.