Fire companies from throughout Westmoreland County battled a blaze at a self-storage complex in New Alexandria just after noon today.

Rich McNaughton, assistant chief with the New Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department, said the fire at New Alexandria Self Storage on Route 22 took about 90 minutes to get under control. No one was injured.

Mr. McNaughton said about half of the 42 units in the building were destroyed. Because the fire started in the center of the building, he said, firefighters were able to save some of the units on the ends. One tenant, he said, was able to get his motorcycle out.

"It went up into the roof and just spread to each unit," Mr. McNaughton said of the fire. "So we had to break into each unit to get at it. We were able to save maybe 10 units on each end."

Neighboring structures were far enough away, he said, that they were not at risk.

Volunteer firefighters responded from Crabtree, Forbes Road, Bradenville, Blairsville, Hannastown, Derry, Latrobe, Slickville, White Valley, Youngstown and Lloydsville.

"We were all short on manpower," Mr. McNaughton said. "Daylight calls, there are just a few people available, and you have to call in the cavalry."

Mr. McNaughton said the fire appeared to be suspicious and the state fire marshal's office was investigating.

First Published: May 26, 2009, 9:00 p.m.