ALIQUIPPA, Pa.
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It took firefighters about two hours to bring a three-alarm blaze at an Aliquippa funeral home under control
The fire broke out at about 8 a.m. Friday at the Darroch Funeral Home along Mill Street.
Hopewell Township firefighters said the blaze started in the basement area of the funeral home, where the preparation and visitation rooms are located.
Urns and ashes stored in the basement were not damaged, crews said, and there were no bodies in the building at the time of the fire.
It took eight stations to battle the heavy flames. Thick, black smoke caused damage and could be seen coming from the structure as firefighters worked to put out the flames.
I saw smoke out of the top chimney and smoke along one of the vents that they have on the roof, said neighbor Marjorie Parrish. And then I saw smoke coming out of the left side of the building.
It was knocked down quick, but we had heavy fire and heavy smoke and water damage throughout the building, said fire Capt. Shawn Marocco.
The owner of the funeral home told Channel 11 News he has gotten an outpouring of support from other funeral homes and churches, so business shouldnt be affected,
The most important aspect is we are operational, said the funeral homes owner. We just will not have use of our facilities. But through the help of other funerals homes in the area, we can use their facilities.
No injuries were reported. The fire marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.
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