High winds spark electrical issues, roof fire in Monessen

By Max Robinette
mrobinette@yourmvi.com
Firefighters suppressed a roof fire on Donner Avenue and Second Street Saturday after high winds created electrical sparks.
Around 7 p.m., municipal fire Chief Delmar Hepple said crews originally responded to Rite Aid at 10 Donner Ave. after reports of electrical issues caused by high winds.
Responders cleared Rite Aid of any danger, but noted power surges throughout the store.
Shortly after clearing Rite Aid, Hepple said firefighters were called to the nearby Turn-Halle building on Second Street and Donner Avenue after reports of a roof fire.
“It turned out that the wind had blown a piece of metal off of a building and that piece of metal interacted with the 3-phase wiring that hooks up to businesses in the area,” Hepple said. “So Rite Aid was getting power surges and electric issues at the Turn-Halle building sparked a fire on the roof.

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