Fire in North Belle Vernon displaces 10 residents, damages cars, utilities
A fire that started in a basement garage caused smoke and utility damage in a three-story building in North Belle Vernon on Tuesday night, displacing 10 residents in upstairs apartments.
A car that was being repaired caught fire shortly before 9:15 p.m. and was destroyed in the garage at 525 Broad Ave., according to North Belle Vernon Fire Chief Kurt Parshall. It caused fire and smoke damage to some other vehicles, he said.
Most of the damage was confined to the basement with upper levels receiving some light smoke damage, Parshall said.
Because the fire melted utility lines in the basement, residents were unable to remain in six apartments.
No injuries were reported.
It was unclear how the fire might affect operations at some first-floor businesses, including an eye care center, an insurance office and a skateboard shop.
They will be without water and septic service in the short term, Parshall said.
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.
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