STOWE TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Fire heavily damaged a business in Stowe Township overnight and crews had to take extra precautions because of chemicals inside the facility.

The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. at Standard Forged Products on Nichol Avenue. Heavy smoke filled the building housing the burning equipment

Firefighters had to use foam while battling the blaze because of the chemicals involved — including hydraulic fluid; but they managed to get the flames under control quickly.

Although workers were inside the building when the fire started, everyone made it out safely.

Standard Forged Products manufactures freight, passenger and locomotive train axles. The company declined comment on the status of the plant; but some of the 80 plus workers employed there told KDKA they were instructed to go home.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation.

RELATED STORIES/LINKS:
Local News
More from Stowe Township