Smoke detector installation wasn't finished in warehouse before massive fire, owner says

ETNA, Pa. — The owner of an Etna warehouse that nearly burned down earlier this month told Channel 11 that the installation of fire alarms wasn't finished.

He also said he didn't know if they'd ever been installed. The blaze reached seven alarms and the owner credits the hard work of firefighters.

"Not only did they help save our building, but a lot of people’s property that we thought would’ve been completely destroyed was saved," said Steve Mitnick, the owner of StoreExpress. "A total loss probably 10% of the cars and you gotta thank the firemen and what they did to control that fire they really did a great job."

The building also housed several businesses.

TRENDING NOW:

Mitnick told Channel 11 his team is still working to make sure the building is safe.

Once it is, those business owners can go in and see what they can salvage.

When the fire happened, the fire chief told Channel 11 initial 911 calls reported someone was working on their motorcycle inside and it caught fire, but an official cause has not been released.

Mitnick said he plans to rebuild.

Cox Media Group