Verona Moose Goes Up In Flames

The Verona Moose on East Railroad Avenue went up in flames at around 4 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries have been reported.

A large portion of the club collapsed as firefighters from the Verona Volunteer Fire Department, and Penn Hills Fire Department attempted to extinguish the fire. They also were trying to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to an apartment building next door.

Theresa Creighan, an American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter volunteer, said if all goes well, the three families who live in the apartment building will be able to return home. Until then, the Red Cross will provide them with shelter, food and clothing.

Witnesses at the scene said no one lived in the upstairs portion of the Moose. At the time the fire was reported, the building is said to have been empty.

Mayor Dave Ricupero said the building is at least 100 years old. It's a loss to the community to lose it.

"Like all old communities, we're made up of older buildings that sit close together," he said. "Once a fire goes, it spreads. Anytime we have a fire, it's devastating to our community.

"Hopefully they can rebuild."

Access to the lower portion of Verona has been blocked off at James Street, and Center and South avenues.