Oil from tank leaks, spreads fire at house

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Fire of undetermined origin did an estimated $7,000 damage to a vacant house at 405 S. Walnut St.
Police said the blaze was discovered by a passing motorist shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday. Several people in the area reported hearing explosions, including Bill Troutman of Countyline Street who was in bed when he heard an explosion and got up to see the house at 405 Walnut in flames.
Firefighter Jim Donston said the house was heated with an oil furnace, and an external fuel oil tank exploded during the course of the blaze, spreading oil which then caught fire.
Most of the oil burned up before it could get into the street and sewers, he said.
Police said some of the oil ran from Walnut to Countyline, then down East Washington Street into the sewer system. They notified the state Department of Environmental Protection about the spill.
Donston said the fire didn't appear to be suspicious, but a state police fire marshal has been asked to examine the scene to help pinpoint the cause.
Authorities didn't know who owns the house.