Aliquippa Scrap Yard Blaze Ruled Arson

The fire marshal has ruled a scrap yard fire that happened Monday in Aliquippa an arson.

Aliquippa police said flames were shooting 30 to 40 feet in the air after the fire at Aliquippa Recycling was reported at about 2 a.m. Monday along Woodlawn Road.

Firefighters said the scrap yard was filled with old cars, causing concern that gasoline could still be in some of the tanks.

"When my other partners got down here, they could see it coming from the tunnel at Franklin Avenue. It was going really good,” said Aliquippa police Officer Kenny Watkins.

Watkins said he heard explosions and saw heavy flames and smoke. The fire was burning so strong, he said, at least a dozen fire companies and hazmat crews were called in.

"When I got down here, they were calling for even more backup. They were calling in a three- or four-alarm fire when we got to the scene down here,” said Watkins.

Baden's fire chief said they used 300,000 gallons of water, a lot of it brought in on tankers.

No injuries were reported. The scrap yard is near an industrial park, but no nearby businesses were evacuated.

Police have not made any arrests.

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