Firefighters battle blaze in Uniontown Tuesday morning
Frances Borsodi Zajac | Herald-Standard
Firefighters from several companies battled a blaze Tuesday in Uniontown at a small-engine repair shop. Herald-Standard reporter Fran Zajac was on scene.
Firefighters from several companies battled a blaze Tuesday in Uniontown at a small-engine repair shop.
Heavy, thick smoke rose over the two-story, brick structure, which was located at 80 E. Fayette St., between Fayette and Dunbar streets. Flames could be seen at times rising from the roof.
Buck Griffith, Uniontown fire chief, explained the firefighters were using three aerial devices that were positioned on three sides of the building, “That way we can get above the fire.”
A representative for Fayette County 911 said the fire was reported at 5:28 a.m. Firefighters from Uniontown, South Union Township, Hopwood, Farmington, Dunbar, Connellsville Township and Connellsville City were called. Fayette EMS and Uniontown police were also on the scene.
Griffith noted firefighters remained on scene until about 2 p.m.
He said the building sustained major damage, and the state police fire marshal will investigate.
Bernard Veschio, business owner, looked on Tuesday morning as the fire companies fought the fire. He said he has owned the business since 1989.
Veschio operated the small-engine repair shop, Bernie’s Lawn & Garden Equipment Services, that handled items such as lawn mowers and weed whackers. Until about four years ago, he also operated a pet store at the site.
Santino Guzzo, a long-time friend, said, “At one time, it was the largest fresh and saltwater fish store in Fayette County.”
This was the second fire in Uniontown in about eight hours.
Uniontown fire department also responded to a fire in at Rear 187 N. Gallatin Ave. at 10:04 p.m. Monday.
Griffith said a two-story, wood frame house with an attached garage sustained moderate damage. He said the fire started in the garage.