FACTORYVILLE, Pa. — A massive fire destroyed a long-time community bar in Wyoming County.
"The people from the kitchen came running out, and they told us we had to get out there was a fire, so we strolled out who we just didn't feel like the emergency, and as we got to the parking lot, we could see a lot of smoke coming the back, and so we stood and watched it before you know what the whole place is engulfed in flames it was surreal," said Brenda Spangenberg.
Spangenberg was one of several customers who got rushed out of Gin's Tavern along Route 107.
Factoryville Fire Chief Brian Gow says a call went out just after 2 p.m., with crews from both Wyoming and Lackawanna Counties responding.
Gow says the fire spread quickly due to windy conditions.
At one point, the fire was so big that it could be seen for miles.
"I was there for dinner last night, and I come at least once a week or more. I have a lot of memories. A lot of friends through Gin's. It's a great place, and I'm really sorry to see it go," said Ned Wicks, Dalton.
Gin's Tavern has been a known watering hole in the area for decades since it opened in 1955.
"Our family owned it for years, and we were all part of the building, put many additions on, worked hard doing it. It's a family-run restaurant, tavern and we are going to miss it dearly," Vanko said.
While little is left of the original building, Vanko says this isn't the end.
"Thankful for everyone, they got out safely, and we plan on rebuilding when the time comes. We got a lot of things to digest and to clean up, but we will be there, we will be there," he said.
Chief Gow says one firefighter was taken to the hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion and breathing in too much smoke.
As for the future of Gin's, several businesses have already offered to lend a helping hand to the Vanko family and tavern staff who are now out of work.
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