Local business owner devastated by loss in fire
NORTH UNION TWP. – With little more than the shell of what were once his business and his home remaining along Route 51, Bret Shallenberger said he is devastated that both structures were destroyed by fire late Saturday night. And the Uniontown businessman who has supplied area residents with recreational vehicles and swimming pools for about two years said he remains unsure how the fire began at New Generation Fiberglass Pools, the former Shallenberger Pools site.
The state police fire marshall is investigating the cause of the blaze at 1218 Pittsburgh Road that lit the night sky along the Route 51 Southbound lanes Sunday morning.
Shallenberger said Tuesday the building was a total loss but said that if possible he would like to rebuild his business.
“I have lived here for 10 years and have had the swimming pool and ATV business for two years,” said Shallenberger. “We are not sure how the fire started but we are happy that it is being investigated.”
Just the concrete walls of the gutted business remained intact Tuesday, as jersey barriers were set up to keep people away from the damaged structure. Alongside the building, preformed in-ground pools laid unscathed by the inferno that kept six fire companies busy well into Sunday morning.
Shallenberger said he was not at home Saturday at 11:42 p.m. when the fire began.
According to Farmington Fire Chief Brian VanSickle, no one was injured in the blaze and said his station was on standby in Hopwood for the fire, as crews worked at the scene for about four hours to extinguish the flames.
West Leisenring Fire Chief Steve Vojacek and Assistant Chief Greg Wallace could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
According to Bruce King at Fayette County 911, firefighters from West Leisenring, North Union Township, Hopwood, Smock, Dunbar and Farmington responded to the blaze in addition to Uniontown Firemen’s Ambulance, Allegheny Power officials and the state police responded to the scene.