May 20, 2014 1 min read

Firefighters from three departments were called Monday for a fire off Johnson Road Extension in North Strabane Township.

North Strabane fire Chief Mark Grimm said the building was engulfed in flames when firefighters got the call about 5:45 p.m. Chartiers Township firefighters were dispatched first since it was initially believed the building was in that township. But when crews arrived, it was determined the former Shimshak property was in North Strabane. The building is now owned by Canon Mac Metals.

Grimm said the narrow drive from Route 519 along the railroad tracks back to the property made it difficult to get trucks in and out of the scene. Tankers were used to haul water.

“We took a defensive stance since the house was fully involved,” Grimm said.

Houston firefighters also assisted at the scene. Crews were on the scene for about two hours. No injuries were reported.