Flames torch Lakewood auto shop
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BEDFORD -- A fire at Lakewood Automotive and Towing closed a portion of Route 30 Monday while firefighters worked to knock down the flames that could be seen coming through the roof of the structure.
Gary Cooper, Bedford Fire Department chief, said the call came in about 10:40 a.m. for the shop at 7266 Lincoln Highway, Bedford.
"When crews were first on scene, they reported heavy flames through the roof of the structure," he said.
Cooper said one person was working in the building and was unaware of the fire until a passerby told him about the flames on the roof. He was able to exit the building safely, Cooper said.
Owner Kim Lape said her husband was in the building when the fire started.
"He had no clue it was happening," she said. "Luckily someone stopped to tell him so he could get out."
Cooper said crews were on scene until about 1:30 p.m.
"We had a fire hydrant nearby with plenty of water and with mutual aid, we had plenty of manpower," he said.
The building had extensive damage, and Cooper was unsure if the structure can be saved or if it will have to be torn down.
No vehicles inside the shop were damaged.
Cooper said the cause of the fire is yet unknown, but a state police fire marshal would investigate.
Part of the Lincoln Highway, Route 30, was closed from the intersection of Country Ridge and Wolfsburg Road while crews battled the fire.
On Monday afternoon, workers were at the shop cleaning up debris and securing the building, but Lape said they lost most everything inside.
"We are not sure what caused the fire yet," she said. "We are not really sure what we can save from the building at this point."
Bedford was assisted at the scene by Everett, Shawnee Valley, Alum Bank, Imler and Windber fire departments, Cooper said.
Mirror staff writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.