Flames destroys landmark dry cleaning business in Roxborough

ROXBOROUGH -- A landmark dry cleaning business went up in flames early Monday in Philadelphia's Roxborough section.

The fire broke out around 5:00 a.m. at Award Custom Dry Cleaners at 5711 Ridge Avenue near Shurs Lane.

The fire burned intensely, and the building was gutted by the time firefighters got it under control.

But the danger wasn't over immediately.

Firefighters continued hosing down hot spots for more than 9 hours, worried that a flare up could ignite dangerous chemicals.

A tank in the rear of the building is full of oil for a boiler that powers the cleaner.

This dry cleaning business was a neighborhood landmark for over 45 years.

The current owner of the business, Harvey Russakoff, took it over when his parents retired.

Friends say he is currently in the hospital for heart surgery. Loyal customers say it was a special business.

It was a Labor Day disaster for the employees, who are now out of jobs.

The resident tailor told Action News he has other work, but nothing as special as working here.

The flames threatened the auto body shop next door, but it suffered only minor damage.

The owner said they have been prevented from going in because one of the walls of the damaged building has buckled and is in danger of collapsing.

They're hoping to reopen on Tuesday.

Customers are hoping the owner of the dry cleaning business rebuilds.

Fire investigators said it may be days before they can pinpoint a cause.