Pocono News Section

Fire Forces Mall, Other Businesses to Close

Fire Forces Mall, Other Businesses to Close - Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 6:15PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 @ 06:15pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Not only did the fire destroy a longtime business, it shut down major roads downtown and forced several other businesses to close.

The Mall at Steamtown was a virtual ghost-town Wednesday. Managers decided to close because there was no gas and air conditioning, but also to keep the public safe. Mall General Manager James Walsh said, ÒThere's quite a bit of activity on Lackawanna Avenue. We don't want to interfere with their efforts."

The inside of the old Steve & Barry's store was filled with smoke. Portable air scrubbers were brought in to get out the stench. The smoke did take its toll on some stores though. ÒIt appears as if the two hardest hit would be American Eagle and VictoriaÕs Secret. They're actually closest to the scene of the fire," said Walsh.

Also hard hit Marquee Cinemas. Two theaters suffered smoke and water damage. That business may not re-open until Friday.

Autumn Brezinski is the Assistant Manager at Curry Donuts on Wyoming Avenue. She was also shut out. ÒThere's probably smoke damage in there. I tried several times but they won't let me near the building," she said.

Also forced to close was the diversified building. There was just too much smoke, even for the building's air filters. Scranton Building Inspector Mark Seitzinger said, ÒIf they turned those air handlers on, with the way the smoke is drifting, they're going to bring that smoke right into their building."

City leaders say this part of downtown Scranton, in the areas of Lackawanna Avenue and Wyoming Avenue, will be closed until at least Thursday morning.