Neighbors unsuccessfully tried to save a burning Shenango Township home with garden hoses Thursday afternoon.

The modular home, surrounded by wooded acreage at 147 Fennell Road, was heavily damaged by the fire and smoke, said Fire Chief Ron Ziglear.

Residents Joe and Kathy Cantrell were both away from home and their 12-year-old son was at school when neighbor Mike McLaughlin drove past and noticed smoke.

McLaughlin said he and another neighbor tried hooking up a garden hose to combat the smoke but were unsuccessful. Moments later he called 911 on his cellular phone; volunteer firefighters arrived at about 12:45 p.m.

Mrs. Cantrell, who arrived home from work shortly after, watched in tears as smoke and flames enveloped her home. Neighbors and family members stuck close by her side.

Initially, it was only thick smoke that poured from the home. As flames began to lick through the ceiling and floor, however, firefighters were forced to break windows to diminish heavy smoke, which filtered from the walls and roof.

Shenango, West Middlesex, Pulaski and New Wilmington volunteers assisted Shenango Township volunteers.

There were no fire hydrants located close enough to the fire to be useful, Ziglear said, so water had to be brought in by tanker truck.

He said the Mercer County Unit of the American Red Cross is assisting the Cantrells.