AVALON, Pa. — The Avalon Motel on Route 65 in Allegheny County has been condemned after a fire early Friday morning.
The fire began at about 2 a.m. in a utility room of the motel, officials said.
One person was taken to the hospital and has since been released. Nine people who live at the motel are looking for another place to stay.
"I was laying in the bed. I heard the whistle go off for the firemen, figured there was a fire somewhere in Avalon. Next thing I knew, someone was pounding on the door, 'Get out. Get out. There's a fire,'" resident Regis Bronky said. “Once we got out, we saw some flames coming from the downstairs where the fire started, some pretty good flames.”
It is unclear when anyone might be allowed back inside the building, which is condemned because there is currently no electricity or water. A building inspector said the owner first needs to get a structural engineer to determine what needs fixed.
Route 65 was closed in the area while firefighters remained on scene. The road reopened shortly before the morning commute.
Officials said there have been at least four fires at the motel in the last several years. Friday's fire was caused by a dryer.
The Red Cross is assisting people who are displaced.