Local

Fire damages historic Washington County inn

PITTSBURGH — A historic Washington County bed and breakfast was engulfed in flames overnight, and crews are now working to assess the extent of the damage.

Several Channel 11 viewers sent us photos of the blaze at the Century Inn on Route 40 in Scenery Hill.

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Firefighters say the blaze began around midnight in the back of the building.

The owner of the Century Inn told Channel 11's Jennifer Tomazic that she and her son were the only ones inside the building when the fire started.

The bed and breakfast is closed on Monday and Tuesday, so there were no guests.

https://twitter.com/JenniferTomazic/status/633582346596446208

She said she was able to grab an original Whiskey Rebellion Flag, one of the only known ones in existence still, before running out.

Firefighters told Channel 11 News they had some trouble extinguishing the fire because they started inside the building and the roof began to collapse, so they had to pull their men out.

An estimated 20 fire companies helped battle the flames. No injuries were reported.

https://twitter.com/JenniferTomazic/status/633601326539276288

The Century Inn opened in 1794. It's billed as the oldest continuously operated inn along the National Pike. It has hosted dignitaries including presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk and Sen. Henry Clay.

State Police Fire Marshal says the fire started in the utility room at the Century Inn. It was electrical in nature and accidental.

The owner said she doesn't know what will happen and if she will rebuild.