Popular Local Restaurant Destroyed by Flames
By: Angie Koehle
Updated: January 23, 2013
The call came in just after 2 am. Flames were shooting from the roof of the building that sits along the corner of 39th Street and 5th Avenue.
Initially firefighters went inside, but the fire had already spread to the walls and attic, so they were called out of the building.
The weather caused some hose lines to freeze and Deputy Chief Mike Tofano said there was a frozen hydrant when they arrived on scene. Icy conditions caused some firefighters to fall, but none was seriously injured.
Firefighters kept the fire from spreading to all neighboring structures.
The Altoona Hotel has been a staple in Altoona for several years. It's famous for it's thick crust pizza.
Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
Owner of the restaurant, Bjorn Reed, arrived at the scene at around 2:15 am.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated owner Bjorn Reed arrived at approximately 6:00 am.


