Cause of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort fire unknown

None — FARMINGTON, Pa. -- Authorities said a massive fire destroyed a ski lodge Sunday night at the Nemacolins Woodlands Resort in Fayette County.

The blaze ripped through the Mystic Mountain ski lodge shortly after 8 p.m., authorities said.

Officials said more than a dozen fire departments from four counties responded to the fire.

The building collapsed completely about two hours after the fire was reported, crews said. Resort spokesman Jeff Nobers said the building was engulfed minutes after the blaze was first reported.

Farmington Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian VanSickle said the fire was the worst he has seen in 22 years.

VanSickle said when the fire broke through the roof of the building, it grew so large that some of the fire trucks and equipment were damaged; hoses caught fire, and a windshield of one of the fire trucks was blown out.

"When we pulled in last night I knew we were beat," said VanSickle. "We'd like to think that we can do our best all the time and save everything we come across but this was an uphill battle we couldn't overcome."

Firefighters had trouble with the hydrants on scene because of the 9-degree temperature, VanSickle said, noting one hydrant at the scene was frozen and another could not provide enough water to battle the flames. The building's sprinkler system could not contain the fire, he said, and tanker trucks of water were deployed to the scene.

Employees inside the lodge made it out safely. At least one firefighter was taken to a nearby hospital due to smoke inhalation and chest pains.

A resort spokesperson said the fire may have started between the first and second floors. The spokesperson said Nemacolin plans rebuilding.

"We'll tear it down, have it cleaned up and we'll be back up. Nothing stops us. That's what Nemacolin does. That's the Nemacolin way," said Nemacolin employee Ben Gardner.

Nemacolin officials said skiers will be permitted on the slopes this weekend and they'll provide heated tents as temporary locker rooms.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

WPXI