Large fire breaks out above Kittanning, Pennsylvania, business
A large fire broke out above a business in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, early Tuesday.
Dispatchers tell KDKA that the fire broke out at the business along S. Jefferson Street just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
Photos from the scene showed large flames and heavy smoke pouring from the building. No one was reported trapped inside, dispatchers said.
Nathan Dibble said his wife and three kids lived inside the building.
"I just heard banging, you know, so I didn't know what was going on. I thought it was the kids," Dibble said. "It was just kind of out of the blue, unexpected."
Dibble and his family had successfully practiced fire drills to prepare for such an incident.
"They knew that you just had to get out," said Dibble.
With massive flames, neighbors evacuated, too.
"Next thing you know, you need to get out, there's a fire," resident Ryan Wolfe recounted.
Family members of people who live next to where the fire occurred said they worried for their loved ones' safety.
"I'm still shook up," said Wolfe's mother, Deborah Zottola.
Those who lived next door to the flames said fires along this street are too common now.
"It was just a shock because this keeps seems like it keeps happening here. This is the second time," neighbor Robert Collins said.
"Very tragic to see, like prayers for all the families involved," said Collins' wife, Sara Layton.
The size of the building and flames proved a challenge, but firefighters persevered. Those included fire companies from Kittanning, Freeport, Manor Township, Saxonburg, West Hills, and more.
With nobody hurt, the family, without a home and their business, Earthbound Apothecary, focuses on gratitude.
"(We've) been getting nothing but love this morning," said Dibble.
The Salvation Army provided water to the firefighters and people affected by the fire. It's unclear at last check if the Red Cross will provide further assistance to Dibble and his family.
It's also unclear what sparked the fire at this time. The fire marshal is investigating.
