Fire official: Burning tires spark blaze that destroys Salem auto repair garage
Flames sparked some tires at a Salem Township auto repair and salvage business Tuesday, destroying the business’ garage.
No injuries were reported in the 3 p.m. blaze at Pytlak Auto Wreckers on Story Road. Rena Pytlak, wife of owner Bob Pytlak, said employees were working inside the garage at the time but were able to safely get out of the structure.
The loss included three vehicles and tools inside the building.
Officials believe the fire initially spread from a burn barrel to the pile of tires, according to Bob Rosatti, chief of the Forbes Road Fire Department, one of several companies that assisted Slickville firefighters in quelling the fire.
Part of the building collapsed, Rosatti said.
Bob Pytlak operated a front-end loader to tear down the remains of the garage as firefighters used an aerial truck to douse remaining hot spots.
Rena Pytlak said the loss is expected to be covered by insurance.
She noted Slickville firefighters were at the garage recently to practice using their “jaws of life” tool on a vehicle donated by the business.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.