Fire Damages Historic Washington Co. Bed & Breakfast
SCENERY HILL (KDKA) - Officials are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged a bed and breakfast in Washington County.
According to officials, the fire broke out at the Century Inn in Scenery Hill just before midnight.
The historic building had operated as a bed and breakfast since 1794. The current owner has been at the business for 40 years and her in-laws purchased the building in the 1940's.
The owner is disappointed that she wasn't able to save her antiques and her artwork, but she says she's thankful she was able to get out safely and there weren't any overnight guests at the time of the fire.
Century Inn sits in the center of Scenery Hill. The historic bed and breakfast has been in business since 1794, but just before midnight, it was consumed by fire. Huge flames illuminated the night sky.
"Initially, we made an interior attack, but we had to pull the guys back out because the roof started collapsing on them," Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Dept Chief Craige Pysh said.
Firefighters say in addition to false ceilings and floors in the 200-year-old building, they faced another challenge of getting water to the scene.
"We drained both of the municipal water tanks and had to start with the water shuttles," Pysh said.
Tanker trucks brought water to the scene for the dozens of firefighters to put out the flames. A total of 20 different volunteer fire departments responded from as far away as Greene and Fayette counties.
More than seven hours after the first report of the fire, the flames rekindled, creating more work for firefighters.
"There were flames shooting out of the back of the building," said J.J. McNurlen, who lives nearby.
In addition to a bed and breakfast, there was also a restaurant and bar. Festivals, weddings and other events were often hosted at the location as well.
"It's pretty much the heart of the town, like I said it's been here for nearly 200 years, very historic," McNurlen said.
The owner says she doesn't know what will happen next. The cause of the fire is believed to be a malfunction in the mechanical room.
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