MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — Smoke could be seen from miles away as Moser's Sanitation went up in flames. The fire started around 3:30 a.m. Friday at the garbage and recycling collection business on South Market Street in Mount Carmel.
Video from Northumberland County Fire and Rescue Firewire shows the flames shooting from the building.
Leroy Moser's family has owned this business since 1917. This was his warehouse.
"The flames were shooting out of the roof. We have no idea how it even started," Moser said. "I had all my trucks in there, my five garbage trucks, my pickup truck, my recycling truck, and they're all gone. On the other side where I had the storage, all my antiques and collectibles I had saved all my life, they're all burned up. I lost everything."
More than a dozen fire trucks were on scene from at least three counties.
Mount Carmel Fire Chief Jack Williams says there was concern the flames would spread to nearby homes, so six houses were evacuated.
"The wind was blowing pretty strong at that time, so flames were blowing horizontally out of the building when we got here. It had a good start on us and spread pretty quick," said Chief Williams.
Luckily, the fire did not spread. One firefighter was treated for a minor injury after being hit with a hose.
A state police fire marshal was on scene but could not determine what caused the fire.
Moser is trying to figure out what's next. He says the first step is a truck because his customers need him.
"I'm either going to have to borrow one to start working again Monday, I guess. I can't just leave it go. We can't leave our business go."