66 people displaced by fire at Washington City Mission

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Dozens of people were forced out of a Washington County shelter when a fire broke out early Tuesday.

The fire started in the kitchen of the Washington City Mission, where 66 people were staying.Someone smelled something burning Monday evening, but the source could not be found.

A few hours later, the night watchman saw smoke.

FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

• Pittsburgh Steelers have best set of 'triplets' heading into 2015 season
• 5 things to know about Eric Casebolt, Texas officer in shocking pool party video
• PHOTOS: Taylor Swift brings her '1989 Tour' to Heinz Field
• Triple Crown-winning jockey to donate all Belmont winnings to charity

“My adrenaline kicked in my mind, jetted right down, jumped in my shoes. It was like life or death. I had to go! I didn't grab nothing,” said shelter resident Anthony Zappone.

Smoke was seen coming from the building once again around 6 a.m., and firefighters were called back to the scene.

No one was hurt. Everyone who was staying there was moved to other locations in Washington.

The kitchen was destroyed.

"We know we have a lot of supporters out there that will rally around us, so we feel confident about that," said Dean Gartland, the mission's president.

The Washington City Mission asked for food donations because food service was disrupted Tuesday, and the community responded immediately.

People of all ages, even young children, were seen dropping off boxes of food.

Zappone said he believes the fire will be a minor setback, and the mission will rebuild bigger and better.

“I’ve only been here 10 days and this happened. I have faith the fire was like the storm. After the storm, it's beautiful,” he said.

The City Mission is still in need of nonperishable and single-serve items as well as money to rent a refrigeration unit. Donations can be dropped off outside the mission on West Wheeling Street.

The mission will be serving meals from The Bible Chapel in Washington for the next few days.

The Red Cross is assisting the men with food, shelter and clothing. The mission serves three meals a day, 365 days a year. Women and children helped by the mission are lodged in a different shelter.

The fire was ruled accidental.

WPXI