Fire chief calls blaze at former Derry auto shop 'suspicious'

A blaze that destroyed the defunct Ralph Smith & Son Inc. auto repair shop in Derry was called “suspicious” Wednesday by borough fire Chief Josh Campbell.

“The state police fire marshal is still investigating the exact cause. … I was there within 5 to 10 minutes of the call (Tuesday), and we already had heavy fire in the walls, up to the roof,” Campbell said.

Campbell did not know the exact age or value of the building in the 200 block of West Second Street but said it was purchased by the Westmoreland County Land Bank in 2021.

“I can tell you it was one of the oldest buildings in the borough. There were hopes the building would be restored,” Campbell said.

The garage is visible from the borough’s most heavily traveled highways at the Route 217 bridge, which crosses over the Norfolk Southern railroad line. Crowds of people watched from the bridge above the brick building before police cleared the area.

A dark billow of smoke rising to the sky could be seen from miles away as flames engulfed the building.

The fire began at 8:20 p.m.

“We’ve been told by witnesses there were a number of people seen around that building just prior to the fire. … We, in the fire department and the fire marshal’s office, are investigating those reports,” he said.

Campbell said the building is a total loss.

“We had it under control within about one hour, but the roof caved in and there was a lot of combustible material stored inside, so we were on the scene until 7 a.m. (Wednesday) putting out various hot spots,” he said.

Campbell said one firefighter battling the blaze had a “medical event” and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. The firefighter was released Wednesday morning, the chief said.

In addition to Derry, firefighters from Blairsville, Bradenville and Latrobe responded.