logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
Pennsylvania pool store burns to the ground
News
November 30, 2022
Pennsylvania pool store burns to the ground

A Pennsylvania swimming pool store was destroyed in a massive fire that broke out on November 22.

Allegheny County fire crews were called to respond to a 4-alarm blaze that broke out at around 2 p.m. at Country Pools & Spas in Harrison Township.

The owner of the business, Col. John Placek, has owned the location for 23 years, but he was philosophical about the loss of his business.

“It’s sad that it burnt down, but you know, we can always rebuild and we will rebuild and we’ll be bigger and better,” Placek said.

Residents within half a mile of the location were told to evacuate the area due to the chemicals that were burning.

According to Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Chief James Bartolovich. “It takes the element to a different level because now you’re dealing with a hazardous materials incident and not a structure fire incident.”

Bartolovich said the business owners were switching from summer chemicals to winter chemicals so it was not clear exactly what chemicals were inside the building.

Known chemicals on site were chlorine, acid, and propane.

Hazmat, the Allegheny fire marshal, and the Department of Environmental Protection were sent to the scene.

Amy Nauph, whose mother lives close to the store, said her mother said it was crazy to witness the fire. “She couldn’t believe it. She said there was all kinds of booms.”

Danny Parise, who lives about 500 feet away from the store in the Pine Ridge Heights Apartments, was also witness to the fire.

“It was hard to breathe after a

Country P& S Fire, Harrison, PA. Credit: Triblive.com while,” Parise said. “Burning your throat, and then burning your eyes and nose. There were all kind of big black smoke and the fire coming out and all that stuff, and then you could smell the chlorine and stuff burning.”

No injuries were reported, and there was no word on what caused the fire.

Placek said he is thankful for the work of the fire department and is happy no one was hurt.

“These people are magnificent,” he said.

He plans to reopen his business at the beginning of March, in time for the next swim season.

LATEST NEWS
Service pros current with tech education
News
Service pros current with tech education
Service Industry News survey reveals most certified, attend trade shows & read trade press
May 8, 2023
By Marcelle Dibrell Congratulations, pool and spa service professionals: According to a recent Service Industry News poll of our readers, you are one ...
this is a test
Getting every disinfecting droplet out of chlorine
News
Getting every disinfecting droplet out of chlorine
May 8, 2023
For most pools and spas, chlorine really is the king of water quality maintenance. It’s true that for aesthetic reasons and preventative maintenance, ...
this is a test
News
Pool subcontractor ordered to pay $384,746
May 8, 2023
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Labor, a Philadelphia-area swimming pool contractor has been ordered to pay $317,097 in back ...
this is a test
News
CPSC report shows CO deaths on the rise
May 8, 2023
On Sunday, April 16, 21-year-old Brenden Dusenberry was found on the floor of his apartment’s bathroom, throwing up and unable to feel his left side. ...
this is a test
Got Cryptosporidium? CYA reduction critical
News
Got Cryptosporidium? CYA reduction critical
May 8, 2023
When it comes to disease mitigation, cryptosporidium is a tough bug to kill. Cryptosporidium is a waterborne protozoon that causes flu-like symptoms t...
this is a test
News
Lauren Broom is a ….
May 8, 2023
Lauren Broom is a Certified Pool Operator Course, CPO , instructor and a former health inspector for the Florida Department of Health. Lauren has a Ba...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 24-26, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 34th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 8-10, Coronado, California
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 9-11, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Mar. 23-25, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK