Demolition crew called to Center Avenue fire scene
A demolition company has been called Friday, Sept. 15, to the scene of a structure fire at the intersection of Center Avenue and South Cliff Street, according to officials there.
Christopher Switala, chief of Butler City Bureau of Fire, said a crew will be arriving shortly to assess the building at 119 Center Ave. and bring it down in an emergency demolition.
“We can’t open up these streets until that building is down,” he said, gesturing to South Cliff Street and Center Avenue.
The building’s right side wall, which has a sign reading “Elliot Furniture Auction,” is bowing significantly, according to Switala.
During the emergency demolition, Switala said crews will spray debris as it is removed from the building.
“They’ll have to start knocking down walls because it’s not safe,” he said. “They’ll be digging it out with an excavator and we’ll spray it with water as it comes out.”
Slippery Rock Township Volunteer Fire Company’s ladder truck has moved to South Cliff Street from the viaduct to continue spraying the building from above.
According to Switala, there are still hot spots on the first floor that firefighters aren’t able to access. The second floor has also collapsed, according to officials.
PennDOT was called to the scene to ensure no damage was done to the viaduct while crews fought the fire.
“There was very little fire coming out of the windows,” Switala said. “(They are) here to do an inspection … there should be no heat or fire damage to the bridge or steel.”
Switala said the viaduct will be closed at least until the afternoon as crews conduct an inspection.
