A state police fire marshal will investigate the blaze that destroyed The Roadster Factory building in Armagh early this morning.
More than a dozen fire companies were summoned shortly after 1 AM and found the structure fully engulfed. The building, which was just under 48,000 square feet, had some antique vehicles inside it and some were pulled out, but some others were reportedly destroyed.
Photo from Armagh East Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department
Firefighters fought the flames all night long and excavators were brought in to move debris to search for hot spots. Crews were challenged by a shortage of water, equipment issues, and fire trucks running out of gas from idling for so long at the scene.
Photos by Mark Bertig
The initial call was at 1:11 AM for Armagh/East Wheatfield (see the interview with Armagh East Wheatfield VFD Chief Tom Fry at the end of the story), Clyde, Brush Valley, New Florence, Seward, and Bolivar firefighters. Moments later, more fire units were dispatched from Indiana, Cambria, and Westmoreland counties. Jackson Township, Nanty Glo, Vintondale, West Taylor Township, Fairfield Township, and Blairsville were summoned. Then at 3:19 AM, they were joined by Cherryhill Township, Pine Township, and Middle Taylor Township. Black Lick and Homer City served standby duty.
The Roadster Factory was established by the late Charles Runyan in 1978 and served British car enthusiasts for more than four decades. The property’s current owner is Albert Runyan.
