Fire Damages Shed at Historic Mars Lanes, Bowling Alley Spared

A fire Thursday evening damaged a storage and maintenance shed attached to the rear of Mars Lanes, but quick action by neighbors and firefighters helped prevent the fire from spreading into the historic bowling alley itself.

The initial call came in at approximately 6:48 p.m., according to Adams Area Fire District Deputy Fire Chief Dan Barr. Barr said he arrived within minutes and encountered smoke coming from the back corner of the building, where an exterior maintenance area is attached to the bowling alley.

“A neighbor used two fire extinguishers to help contain the fire,” Barr said, noting that propane tanks located in the area contributed to the fire intensifying after the initial response.

Firefighters from six departments responded through the Station 90 mutual aid group, which includes Adams Area, Cranberry Township, Callery, Evans City and Harmony fire departments. Barr described the operation as a “bread and butter” fire response in which crews quickly established a water supply, stretched hose lines and moved inside to check for fire extension into the main structure.

Fortunately, the fire was largely contained to the exterior shed area, with only minor smoke damage reported inside the bowling alley. No injuries were reported.

Assistant Chief Bruce Hezlep of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company said the coordinated regional response allows departments to operate seamlessly during emergencies.

“We all have to work together for the mutual benefit of our residents in whatever community,” Hezlep said.

Hezlep estimated that roughly 60 firefighters responded Thursday evening as part of the Station 90 response protocol.

For Mars Lanes owners Ruth and Gary Geller, the outcome could have been far worse.

Ruth Geller said the fire was limited to an exterior maintenance shed attached to the building and did not spread into the bowling alley.

“It was the back part of the outside, the shed,” Geller said.

The Gellers have owned Mars Lanes for 26 years and have operated the business for 35 years. The bowling alley, originally built in 1959, had recently closed for its annual summer maintenance period.

“Everything inside is original from 1959,” Geller said. “So it looks like you walked into the ’60s when you walk in here. It’s very precious and antique and old-fashioned all the way. So it’s our baby.”

The preservation of the historic bowling alley came as a relief to longtime patrons and residents who consider Mars Lanes a community landmark.

Geller also expressed appreciation for the firefighters and neighbors who responded quickly and offered support during the incident.

“The firemen did a wonderful job,” she said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.