DAVIDSVILLE, Pa. --
A portion of the Laurel View Personal Care Home near Davidsville, Somerset County is a total loss. The fire started around 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon when a lightning strike hit the building and started to smoke.
Smoke quickly turned to flames and all 200 residents had to be evacuated. Rescuers used school buses and ambulances to get the residents out. Many patients suffer with diseases or disabilities. They were taken to Windber Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center and nearby churches and fire halls.
Problems with fire hydrants made fighting the blaze difficult for the nearly half dozen fire crews called to battle the massive blaze.
The firefigthters managed to contain the fire to one wing of the center.
It is unclear for how long the residents will need to find alternative housing.
