Former Wewer candy shop building wrecked by fire in Ashland
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Flames ripped through a row of buildings on Centre Street in Ashland on June 3, 2023.
ASHLAND – Heavy fire destroyed the former Wewer shop building in Ashland and heavily damaged nearby structures in a multi-alarm fire that brought crews from as far as Danville to the scene.
Flames broke out just after 8pm Saturday at the building at 1010 Centre Street.
When firefighters arrived, they found the third floor of the building aflame.
The ground floor once housed the Wewer candy shop and most recently had been Smith’s Contracting.
Those flames damaged nearby buildings, including an apartment building at 1014 Centre Street.
Multiple alarms were struck, bringing firefighters from Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, Kulpmont, Englewood, Mount Carmel, Altamont, Minersville, and more to assist Ashland and Girardville crews.
A rehab unit from the Continental Fire Co. in Danville was also called to the scene to provide a rest area and refreshments for crews.
As of 10:30pm, firefighters remained at the scene and Centre Street and adjacent roads were closed for several blocks around the fire scene. Some crews were being released as of 10:30pm.
It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured or how many people are displaced.
The former Wewer building is owned by Thomas Smith, of Lavelle, and Mary Theresa Smith, of Frackville, and has been since 2004.
A State Police fire marshal has been called to investigate.
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