Massive Chester County fire blamed on smoking; pets found alive

EAST FALLOWFIELD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Investigators say smoking is to blame for a massive house fire on Saturday in East Fallowfield Township, Chester County.

That determination came after a remarkable turn of events, as pets thought to have perished in the fire were found alive on Sunday.

The 2-alarm fire destroyed the family home around 5:00 p.m. Saturday in the 100 block of Bridle Path Lane.

Arriving crews were met with heavy flames coming from the home.

Two women were inside at the time and were able to escape without injury.

The fire was brought under control shortly before 5:30 p.m.

The family thought their dogs had died in the blaze.

However, firefighters received a call Sunday morning that the dogs were spotted on the second floor of what is left of the home.

Firefighters rescued the dogs and reunited them with the family.