DAUPHIN, Pa. (WHTM) -
A tavern well-known to commuters who use Route 22/322 in Dauphin County was destroyed by fire early Wednesday.
Ace's Inn in Middle Paxton Township went up in flames at around 7:30 a.m.
Barb Stone and her husband have owned the bar since 2004.
"I usually open the bar at 9:00 on Wednesdays and I got a call from somebody that lives up the road," Stone said. "He said 'The bar's on fire.' I said 'What, the bar's on fire?'"
Stone fought back tears as she watched her business burn. She said her husband was still in shock.
"I couldn't believe it, I still can't believe it," she said. "I lost my job in June but this was the only income we had. Clearly it's not gonna be open."
Firefighters battled thick smoke and heavy flames along with the cold weather for hours. The fire broke out above the kitchen, which was in the process of being remodeled. Along with the kitchen, the fire destroyed the beer storage and office areas.
The bar had an addition which caused problems for firefighters as they tried to shut off the electricity.
"With the building being so chopped up and built on, there's different parts that had different power sources," Dauphin Fire Company Assistant Chief Craig Billman said.
Ace's Inn was the source of plenty of good times. It was one of the only bars in its area and a place where everybody knows your name.
"This is very popular with people who live here," Stone said. "I made a lot of good friends here. I just can't believe it."
Stone said she planned on having lots to do at the bar, but as firefighters doused the flames and cut into the building, all she could do was watch as Ace's Inn burned out.
"I want to grab a hose and go put it out myself," she said. "I can't believe this."
A firefighter was treated for a minor burn to the chin, but there were no other injuries.
Stone said everything was fine when the bar was open Tuesday night. She said she is not sure of she and her husband can rebuild.
Investigators later said the fire was caused by two electric space heaters that had been left on overnight.
