A kitchen fire spread through a Hempfield home early Sunday, claiming the life of a Washington County man, officials said.
Firefighters discovered Matthew J. Pacacha, 32, of Chartiers Township, dead inside the home on Russ Moore Road, near Moore's Lane, according to Westmoreland County Coroner Kenneth A. Bacha.
Another man who was inside was able to escape the single-story house, state police fire marshal Tpr. Chet Bell said.
Pacacha reportedly was visiting at the home when the fire was reported by neighbors just before 5 a.m.
Bell said the fire spread from the kitchen into the attic and was under control in about an hour. The cause is under investigation.