McKEES ROCKS, Pa. -- A "fire" on the second floor of an abandoned church in McKees Rocks was actually just a magic trick, Channel 11's Marlisa Goldsmith reports.
The church was the site of a fire-eating workshop. Firefighters rushed there after neighbors spotted flames and called 911.
McKees Rocks Fire responded to two alarms at this church. Once on scene, they quickly realized what was really going on.
Approximately 30 people were there for the workshop. Many were displeased about the interruption.
One of the participants claimed the group had permission to be there from whomever owns the old church.
Ed Pinto told Channel 11 News, "(We were) hanging out and doing our crazy stuff, and some jagoff decided to call the fire department on us."
McKees Rocks Fire Chief Nick Radoycis, however, said the group did not have proper permits to be there, adding that the building is not equipped with extinguishers or running water.
"Someone could have easily been burned very seriously," Radoycis said.
The chief said it would be up to the investigating fire marshal to decide whether or not any charges or citations would be filed.
No damage was done to the building.
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