YORK, Pa. — York City firefighters spent much of Saturday working on putting out several hot spots in what remained of an old warehouse along Elm and Albemarle Street.
First responders were first called to the area when a massive fire broke out around 6:30 Friday evening.
Sarah Kinsey, who used to work at the warehouse, watched the fire unfold from her front porch on Elm Street.
“It was hot and scary," said Kinsey. “I thought [the fire] was going to come over this way. They said had it hit the other building, we would’ve had to evacuate. But it never happened, they got it under control.”
Kinsey said that she was sad about the fire, but said she was not surprised that the warehouse burned down.
"The place wasn't in good shape," said Kinsey. "It was in poor shape."
Lisa Moldovan, who also lives on Elm Street, said she told city officials several years ago that she was concerned about the safety of the building. She said bricks would often fall into the street and people would wander inside the warehouse.
"I had called York City years ago and told them I thought the building was structurally unsafe," said Moldovan. “I figured it would’ve caved in before then, but I’m not really surprised that it caught on fire.”
According to York County Emergency Dispatch, at least one firefighter was injured while fighting the fire. York City Fire Chief William Sleeger said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
As work continues around the warehouse, neighbors say they are grateful for the firefighters who prevented a worse situation.
“They’re doing a wonderful job. They’re all in good spirits. They’re really taking care of our city," said Laurie Haines.