Crews from nine fire departments were able to knock down a fire in Homer City Borough Sunday morning, dealing with freezing temperatures in the process.

The initial dispatch came at 5:05 AM when Indiana County 911 called for crews from Homer City, Coral-Graceton, Brush Valley and Indiana fire stations to the intersection of Center Street and Beech Street in Homer City.

Within minutes of the initial call, Blairsville, Black Lick, Armagh, Clyde and Aultman fire departments were called in to assist on the scene.

The fire was seen coming out of the windows of the two-story home on the corner, and crews went into defensive mode to keep the fire from spreading to nearby buildings, according to Homer City Fire Chief Terry Gardner.

Assistant Chief Joe Izzei, Jr. praised the work of one of Homer City’s life members, Scott Johnson, who helped make sure that the residents were out safe before getting to the fire hall.

The home was gutted and is considered a total loss. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. State police fire marshals were called in to investigate. The names of the victims are Matt Blystone and Tonya Gibbons. The couple has two children, Parker, five years old and Paris, two years old. They are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. At one point, Matt Blystone broke both of his heels, jumping off the roof and then catching the two children. Matt will be off work for at least two months.