TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP -- Flames ripped through the Blakeslee Inn and Restaurants in Monroe County Wednesday morning.
Heavy smoke and flames have been pouring from the property along Route 940 in Tobyhanna Township, near Blakeslee, all morning.
The place is owned by the Pocono Raceway.
No one was staying in the inn, but some employees were there around 8:30 a.m. as flames began shooting from the building.
Black smoke billowed from the inn as fire crews rushed in from four different counties, trying to battle the massive fire.
"There were several layers of roof because the building is so old, so the fire got in between the roof lines and it started to travel through the building," explained Assistant Chief Edward Tutrone, Tobyhanna Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire crews fought the flames from above as tankers rushed millions of gallons of water to the scene.
"We have tankers coming from all over the place. We had an awful lot of water coming in. I've never heard from half of the townships that were here," said Monroe County EMA director Bruce Henry.
"Very frightening, because I've lived here for 35 years," said neighbor Joann Berger. "Very frightening and you worry about the gas lines."
Fire officials say both power and gas were shut off in the area.
Neighbors say they first saw flames coming from an office area in the back of the building.
"It's never a good thing," said neighbor John Simchak. "As long as everybody gets down and everybody is safe, buildings can be replaced."
In the afternoon, the fire finally seemed to subside.
Most of this landmark hotel that's been around since at least 1960 is gone.
The Pocono Raceway currently owns the inn, that years ago was named The Sportsmen.
Now state police fire marshals are working to figure out what sparked the flames.
This community is thankful for the volunteers who worked hard to keep everyone safe.
"I think they're heroes," said neighbor Roseanna Stephens. "I give it to them, I don't think I could go into a burning building or even try to get near the fire and put it out."
Investigators tell us no guests were staying there when the fire started. Only employees were there at the time.
The Pocono Raceway released this statement:
"Thankfully, no one was injured and that is the most important thing," said Brandon Igdalsky President & CEO, of Pocono Raceway, owner of the property. "We'd like to thank all of the fire fighters, volunteers, and first responders for their hard work. We are still assessing the damage and learning more. We ask for patience from our loyal patrons as we consider our next steps."
