It was a dangerous scene on Second Avenue in East Conemaugh, leaving a local business completely destroyed.

Officials say three employees were working inside when a gas leak caused a fire at Tork’s Auto Service. They were reportedly working on a gas tank, when they removed a hose and gas began to spray. Officials aren’t sure at this point what sparked the fire.They say the employees tried to put the fire out but it got out of hand. Fire Chief Harry Grove says the fire was big enough to be seen from blocks away.  

He explained, “We arrived on scene and the place was totally involved. When we left the station we could see the smoke going up. It was venting through the roof already.”

Several departments were called on scene. Families in the homes nearby were evacuated because a fear of additional explosions. The three homes surrounding the building were damaged but everyone got out safely. Chief Grove says a fire like this can be extremely dangerous. He says they were fighting off explosions inside the building.  

Grove detailed, “It is pretty dangerous when you got vehicles in there and gas tanks popping off or oil thrown around and catching fire.”

Chief Grove says the building is completely destroyed. The back wall of the garage collapsed. He says it took approximately 45 minutes to get the fire under control. Crews then worked to examine hot spots and board up the building.  

Evacuated residents could return home after power is restored.