Published Monday, Feb. 1, 1999 Two employees of Middlesex Print Shop, 3143 Main St., were working late when they discovered the fire, which started next door in a coin-operated laundry, said Fire Chief Don Hoover Jr.
Firefighters were called at 2 a.m. to the two-story building. A woman was sleeping upstairs when the fire broke out but got out of the building safely. She is being aided by the American Red Cross. The resident of the other apartment, building owner May Godfrey, is out of town, and no one was in Sowers Laundry, which is owned by Edward Sowers of West Middlesex.
Officials were not sure who owns the print shop, which recently opened.
The fire started in the center of the first floor and firefighters were hampered by false walls in getting to the source, Hoover said.
"It's pretty well gutted on the inside," he said. The outside walls are still standing.
Damage was estimated at $250,000, which Hoover said is probably low. He said he didn't know if any of the equipment in the businesses can be salvaged.
A state police fire marshal investigated. The cause is probably accidental but has not been determined, Hoover said.
Shenango Township and Hermitage firefighters assisted.
