CLINTON TWP— A fire late Tuesday night destroyed one greenhouse and damaged another at Sunshine Greenhouse.

The structures, with wood truss frames and covered by plastic, were some of the older greenhouses on the grounds. They were primarily used for storage.

A passer-by called 911 shortly before 10 p.m. The Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department was called to the fire, and a second passer-by also called in the fire while they were responding.

Saxonburg Chief Gary Cooper said as he rolled up to the business at 915 Ekastown Road, flames and dark black smoke were visible from about 500 yards away.

It took firefighters about 30 minutes to get the fire under control, Cooper said. Sarver,Buffalo Township and Fawn Township volunteer fire departments assisted.

Cooper said the firefighters worked to keep hot embers blown by a strong, cold wind from spreading the fire to other greenhouse buildings. There are more than five greenhouses on the site, and the newest ones, where plants are grown aren't far from the fire. Then firefighters spent another hour putting out hot spots.

In the greenhouses damaged by fire were supplies such as plastic covers and pots, Cooper said.

Cooper did not estimate the total cost of the damages, but described them as minor.

The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known, though the owner told firefighters he did not have electricity in the building.

Cooper said the cause of the fire is not considered suspicious and it was not known if the building was insured.

Ekastown Road was closed from Freeport Road to Saxonburg Boulevard for about an hour and a half. Firefighters trucked water in from a hydrant at Route 228 and Knoch Road.

Sunshine Greenhouse is owned by Mark Kocon, who was not available for comment early today.