The investigation is underway to find out what sparked a fire that ripped through a historic building in Maxatawny Township.
The Affordability Shoppe, located in the 15000 block of Kutztown Road, went up in flames Sunday afternoon.
"We had heavy smoke and fire coming out of the rear of the building, and also the east side of the building on the first floor," said Chief Troy Arndt, Kutztown Fire Dept.
Battling the blaze was anything but easy, according to firefighters.
One firefighter even fell through the first floor, and landed six feet below in the basement, officials said.
Fortunately, authorities say that firefighter was able to walk away from the fire.
"When it first happened, it sends shivers down your spine," said Chief Arndt. "It's a very scary, very, very, dangerous."
Investigators say the beams in the building, which was constructed in the mid-1800s, may have rotted over the years, contributing to the floor collapse.
Fifty percent of the first floor was damaged, but authorities say no fire made it to the second floor.
There's still no word on what caused the fire.
Many are just hoping the historic structure won't have to be knocked down.
"It's been in this gentleman's family for 60 years. So for their sake I'm hoping they're able to re-build it," said Chief Arndt.
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