KITTANNING, Pa. — The fire on Orr Ave in Kittanning was raging at 1 a.m. Saturday.
A viewer shared video and pictures with 11 News, showing the fire before it was brought under control.
It was frightening for neighbor Dick Myers to see.
“I stood up, looked out the window and all I could see was orange flames. The sky was all lit up here.”
PHOTOS: “Just like a tinderbox:” Four-alarm fire leads to building collapse in Kittanning
Nothing is left of the old furniture store that was being used for storage. The front of the building collapsed onto the street, and cinder blocks were scattered everywhere.
The two apartment buildings on each side are also a total loss.
Fortunately, everyone made it out safely.
Kittanning Fire Chief Earl Kline lives just a few blocks away and was on the scene almost immediately.
“An old building, just like a tinderbox, just burnt fast,” Kline said.
The extreme heat caused significant damage to several cars and houses.
Firefighters from Armstrong, Butler and Allegheny Counties helped to put out the fire. Chief Kline said they had challenges with the water supply and the cold.
“The cold was excruciating. We had rehab tents set up so the guys could get in and get warm.”
The state police fire marshal is now investigating how this fire started.
Stay with 11 News for updates on the fire marshal’s investigation.
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