'We will rebuild:' Owner reacts after fire destroys Bedford business, damages others

UPDATE |

BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — “We will rebuild!” That's the message one business owner in Bedford County is telling the community after a massive fire tore through their storefront Monday night.

First responders say flames were seen “shooting out” of Mahendi Projects" in downtown Bedford, which sells personalized jewelry, essential oils, & home goods.

“We've been here since this morning, and since then we've seen many community members walking by to check out the damage and offer their support.”

Video from the fire department captured the moment when crews were called to the scene along South Juliana Street, around 11:30 p.m., for the fully involved structure fire.

Bedford Fire Chief Gary Cooper says the fire started in the rear of the building, on the first floor.

Downtown Bedford is filled with small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and shops that line the streets.

Chief Cooper says some of the neighboring businesses, on either side, sustained minor smoke damage.

Officials say one firefighter was taken to UPMC Bedford for a minor shoulder injury.

The owner says she is so grateful to the fire department and community members who have been nothing but supportive.

She adds, "they'll rebuild, and they'll be back."

"I can't say enough about the mutual aid that responded. We were able to get the fire knocked down in an hour.”

The state police fire marshal has been on scene to investigate but Chief Cooper says that the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious.

ORIGINAL |

Crews were called to a massive fire in downtown Bedford Monday night.

Emergency officials say flames broke out around 11:30 p.m. at a business on South Juliana Street.

The say the fire then spread to multiple other businesses.

Dispatchers tell 6 News that one person was taken to the hospital.

They say the American Red Cross was called to help.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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