The owner of an Old Forge business ravaged by fire Saturday night vows to make a comeback.
Fire crews were dispatched to Urban Rides LLC, 858 Sibley Ave. — an auto sales business — around 8:17 p.m. for the report of a fully engulfed structure fire, according to a scanner call.
“We lost pretty much everything,” said Brittany Adams, owner of Urban Rides LLC. “It is what it is. We’re going to rebuild … it’s going to take some time, but we’ll rebuild.”
Adams said she was notified of the fire around 8:24 p.m. and that nobody was at the building at the time.
“Everybody was home and safe — thank God for that,” she said.
Old Forge Borough Councilman Michael Komensky’s first thoughts went to the safety of the shop employees and fire officials upon hearing of the blaze.
“I wasn’t sure if they were open at that time because some businesses work late at night anymore,” he said. “I feel bad for the owners; hopefully they’ll rebuild, but I know that’s a long path away.”
Komensky believes the community will support Urban Rides’ officials as they work to get back up and running.
“The residents in Old Forge always bond together to help their own and I’m sure that will be the case in this instance,” he said.
Crews from throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties battled the fire at the three-bay garage, per scanner reports.
“Our hearts are heavy, but we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible bravery and quick response of the firefighters, police officers and EMS crews who come to our aid,” Urban Rides LLC officials said in a Facebook post. “You are true heroes.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation by a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal, Adams said.
An Old Forge auto sales business – Urban Rides LLC – sustained heavy damage Saturday night after a fire broke out at the property on Sibley Avenue. (Courtesy Christopher Dolan)