HARMAR TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Firefighters battled a fire with heavy smoke at the Wendy’s along Freeport Road in Harmar Township. When crews arrived just before 6 p.m. Tuesday, they tell Channel 11, flames and smoke were pouring from the restaurant.
PHOTOS: Crews respond to fire at Harmar Township Wendy’s
“There are at least three holes in the roof from ventilation,” Lt. Levi Baer from the Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company tells Channel 11. “It’s going to be pretty heavy damage.”
Elizabeth Kasavage works at a business in Cheswick and had just been at Wendy’s earlier in the day to pick up lunch for the office.
“I saw all the firefighters go by the office and I said, what is going on? I hope it’s not another train derailment!” Kasavage tells Channel 11 News. “Went through the drive-thru and picked up our grilled chicken strawberry salads with champagne vinaigrette. I’m just in disbelief because I can’t believe Wendy’s – Wendy’s never catches fire!”
The front windows of the Wendy’s were smashed out and in the back, the drive-thru area was burnt to a crisp. Firefighters used foam because of the grease and crews braved dangerous conditions as they dealt with 90-degree temperatures on top of the fire in a metal building.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Lt. Baer adds. “That’s why we have the rehab unit out here. Our guys have to keep water in them to stay hydrated.”
As firefighters put out hot spots at the Wendy’s, another call came in for a fire at a senior high-rise less than three miles down the road in Springdale. Our crews didn’t see any damage from the outside, but many older folks were evacuated. Some had to be cared for by first responders because of the extreme heat.
“They’re very heroic,” Kasavage adds. “They’re not afraid of anything. Makes me feel like I can do anything.”
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating what caused the fire at the Wendy’s.
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