ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A fire broke out at Camping World on Route 356 in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, early Wednesday morning, engulfing over a dozen campers. The blaze was reported at approximately 4:40 a.m.
Rachel Ramsey, a local resident who witnessed the fire, described hearing about a dozen explosions. “There was a huge boom, and we could clearly see the massive flames from our window,” Ramsey recounted.
Initially, Allegheny Township Police Chief Dan Uncapher reported that 15 campers were affected by the fire, but later updated the number to 18. The explosions were caused by propane tanks on the vehicles.
Ramsey expressed her concerns, saying, “I was really scared. I was worried the fire might spread or that debris could hit our house.”
Ten fire departments responded swiftly to the incident. Chief Uncapher noted that the officers arrived at the scene within seven minutes and found the fire originating from the rear of the parking lot. “Quick reporting likely prevented more significant property damage,” he said.
Fortunately, the fire did not extend to the main business area, and no injuries were reported, according to Westmoreland County 911 dispatchers.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but investigators, including the state police fire marshal, are reviewing surveillance footage from the store to determine what happened.
