According to a representative of Venango County 9-1-1, they received a call reporting a fire at 603 10th Street in Franklin around 3:47 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

Franklin Fire Department, Oil City Fire Department, Community Ambulance Service, Reno Ambulance, and Franklin Police Department were dispatched. Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department and Sandycreek Township Volunteer Fire Department were placed on stand-by.

According to a release issued by Franklin Fire Department Chief Jim Wetzel, upon the department’s arrival, the second floor in the front of the house already had heavy fire involvement.

A resident of the home suffered burns to his legs and was treated at the scene by personnel from the Franklin Police Department and Community Ambulance Service, then transported by Community Ambulance Service to the Venango Regional Airport where he was airlifted by STAT MedEvac to UPMC Mercy for further treatment.

One firefighter was also treated on scene and transported to UPMC Northwest for additional care.

According to Chief Wetzel, the second floor of the structure, and its contents, sustained significant damage from the blaze, while the first floor sustained moderate smoke and water damage.

It is currently unknown if the house or its contents were insured.

The Franklin Fire Department responded to the fire with two engines and a tower. They were also assisted at the scene by the Franklin Police, Franklin Water Department, Community Ambulance Service, Oil City Fire Department, Seneca Volunteer Fire Department, and Reno Ambulance.

Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department and Sandycreek Township Volunteer Fire Department were placed on stand-by.

The scene was cleared around 6:16 p.m.

The fire remains under investigation.