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Car wash, auto repair shop, Laundromat destroyed in Coraopolis blaze

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. — Three businesses were destroyed Monday when flames engulfed a building in Coraopolis early Monday morning.

Investigators said the fire spread quickly through the Stop N Glow car wash on Fifth Avenue –- the building also houses a Laundromat and auto repair shop.

Channel 11’s Dave Bondy reported that two people own the three businesses.

Coraopolis fire chief Larry Byrge said it was one of the most intense fires he has ever fought.

“There were flames coming out of the roof and a couple of the windows and it was very fast moving,” Byrd said.

The two men who own the businesses said they have operated out of the building for 30 years.

“I’ve known them for a long time. He has been in business for many, many years. It’s a shame,” Byrge said.

Byrge said the fire was so intense firefighters were unable to enter the building. He said it didn’t take long for the old wooden roof of the building to collapse.

“Various bottles of chemicals in the building were exploding during the fire,” Byrge said.

The fire marshal has not determined what caused the fire. Emergency crews initially evacuated a nearby bar and apartment while they worked to stop the flames from spreading.

“There was a lot of flames on the Laundromat roof and you really couldn't see inside of it,” said Hannah Youngworth.

No injuries were reported. So far, the cause of the fire has not been determined.