June 18--MARION HEIGHTS -- A spectacular fire tore through a former catholic school Tuesday night, endangering nearby homes.
Large embers flying from the former St. Mary's Roman Catholic School, at the corner of Marion Heights Highway and Melrose Street, forced firefighters to douse the roofs of several homes located across the street from the vacant three-story building.
The fire was reported by numerous motorists around 10:45 p.m. It appeared to have originated in the back of the school building, which at one time was used as a gymnasium. The school was last used as a school in the 1960s.
The gymnasium, consisting mostly of wood, quickly burned to the ground. The fire spread into the main portion of the building, which was used for storage.
For the full story and more photos read Thursday's edition of The News-Item.
Copyright 2014 - The News-Item, Shamokin, Pa.
