Fire crews responded to a two-alarm fire at M.A.S. Imports on Route 222 in Richmond Township on Jan. 8.
“Passerby called the fire in. Saw smoke coming from the building,” said owner Mike Sacks, who owns the automotive repair shop with his wife, Leann.
At about 3:30 p.m., fire crews were dispatched to a possible structure fire at MAS Imports at 14015 Kutztown Road, Fleetwood. Arriving officers reported smoke showing at the auto repair business. Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck took command and requested a 2nd alarm, along with additional tankers to assist, according to www.fleetwoodfire.com.
Fire companies at the scene included Fleetwood, Virginvlle, Blandon, Lyons, Maidencreek, Kutztown, Walnuttown, Mount Penn, and Ruscombmanor Township.
“They did an awesome job working in those freezing temperatures. It was brutal winds. Freezing temps. They did an excellent job,” said Sacks. “I’d like to thank every last guy that was here.”
Fleetwood EMS was on scene also.
Fleetwood Police Chief Steven Stinsky reported that no one was present at the time of the fire and there were no injuries to bystanders or first responders. Fleetwood Fire Police controlled traffic.
“Route 222 was restricted to one lane of travel for approximately two hours during fire fighting operations and then completely closed for about 20 minutes to allow PennDOT time to treat the roadway to make it safe,” said Stinsky.
Fire crews cleared the scene at about 7 p.m.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation,” said Stinsky.
While grateful no one was injured as a result of the fire, Sacks does not know the extent of the damage to the building and does not yet have damage cost estimates. Sacks said the fire started in the front corner. He believes most of the fire damage was sustained in that corner, in addition to smoke and water damage to the building. Two cars were inside the building at the time of the fire and sustained minimal damage.
“It totally sucks. Granted it’s not a total loss, but I can’t work. It’s real stressful at the moment,” he said. “I’ll be ok with insurance. I was fully insured. It’s just a matter of how much time I will be down. And how much business did I loose in the process.”
Sacks cannot operate the business in the building. He has no electric but a phone line was set up Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 10.
MAS Imports has been in business for 28 years.
“I appreciate all of the customers I’ve had over the past 28 years. Hopefully they can hang on until I get back on my feet again,” said Sacks.
MAS Imports can be reached at 610-944-8444.