House fire sends couple to hospital

SHARON, Pa. -- A smoky house fire sent a Curtis Street couple to UPMC Horizon for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation.
The blaze broke out shortly after 9 a.m. Friday in the living room of the rental home of Harlan and Lucille Shaffer of 532 Curtis St.
Authorities said the couple were asleep at the time but that Mrs. Shaffer noticed smoke and alerted her husband.
Shaffer went into the living room and tried unsuccessfully to put out the fire. Authorities said he suffered burns on his back and was taken to UPMC Horizon in Farrell.
Mrs. Shaffer, who was covered in black soot, had difficulty breathing and was taken to the hospital a short time later, firefighters said. Both were treated and released.
Firefighters said the blaze was confined to the living room of the house, but there was extensive heat and smoke damage as well as some water damage.
The cause of the blaze wasn't immediately determined. A state police fire marshal has been called to the scene.
Fire Chief Arthur Scarmack said no damage estimate was available, but that the basic structure of the house remained sound.