Published: July 08, 2009 11:26 pm      

Fires hit Cresson apartments, old Portage mill

Multiple fire companies battled two major blazes in Cambria County’s Mainline region late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

A number of people were forced from their homes when fire caused heavy damage to

an apartment complex in the 100 block of Powell Avenue.

Earlier, two firefighters were injured battling a blaze that may have been arson at a former factory in Portage.

No damage estimates were available for either fire.

No injuries were reported in the apartment building fire, which is believed to have been accidental, said John Briel, chief of Cresson Volunteer Fire Company.

Flames were coming through the windows of the three-story apartment building when crews arrived shortly after 1 a.m., Briel said.

The building is owned by Michael McGough of Cresson.

Residents of the five-unit complex were being assisted by the American Red Cross. A state police fire marshal is expected to investigate today.

The fire broke out hours after the Cresson volunteers and others had responded to a blaze at a former ribbon mill and sewing factory in Portage.

Portage police Chief Ed Miller said Wednesday he is awaiting a ruling from the fire marshal, but at this point the blaze at the Century Ribbon Mill, also known at Antmart, appears to be arson.

Portage investigating officer Don Wyar said late Wednesday that he is looking at two 15-year-olds as suspects, but is continuing to investigate.

“We have two suspects, but I am waiting for a report from the fire marshal before I do anything more,” Wyar said.

A female firefighter was treated for injuries after she apparently fell through a floor. Another firefighter was treated for an unknown problem, said Mike Krug, deputy chief of Portage Volunteer Fire Company.

Volunteers from six fire companies responded to the alarm at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire’s point of origin appears to be in a crawl space on the first floor of the Farren Street structure, Krug said.

“We got in there and we got it out,” he said.

The brick building, more than a century old, is now owned by Portage Area Historic Society.