Fire official: Burning tires spark blaze that destroys Salem auto repair garage

Jun. 3--Flames sparked some tires at a Salem Township auto repair and salvage business Tuesday, destroying the business' garage.

No injuries were reported in the 3 p.m. blaze at Pytlak Auto Wreckers on Story Road. Rena Pytlak, wife of owner Bob Pytlak, said employees were working inside the garage at the time but were able to safely get out of the structure.

The loss included three vehicles and tools inside the building.

Officials believe the fire initially spread from a burn barrel to the pile of tires, according to Bob Rosatti, chief of the Forbes Road Fire Department, one of several companies that assisted Slickville firefighters in quelling the fire.

Part of the building collapsed, Rosatti said.

Bob Pytlak operated a front-end loader to tear down the remains of the garage as firefighters used an aerial truck to douse remaining hot spots.

Rena Pytlak said the loss is expected to be covered by insurance.

She noted Slickville firefighters were at the garage recently to practice using their "jaws of life" tool on a vehicle donated by the business.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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