SUGARCREEK TWP, Armstrong County — An early morning fire destroyed a pizza shop near the Armstrong-Butler County line.

The state police fire marshal is investigating what sparked the blaze shortly before 1 a.m. today at Giovonni’s Pizza on Route 268 in Sugarcreek Township. The fire, however, is not believed to be suspicious, authorities said.

Seven fire departments, including one from Butler County, battled the fire for several hours. An unidentified firefighter was treated at a hospital after hurting his knee. No other injuries were reported.

The long morning for Sugarcreek Township volunteer firefighters, however, got even longer about 8:15 a.m. when they were called back after small flames rekindled at the gutted shop.

A neighbor initially spotted smoke coming from the business and called 911. But by the time the first fire crew hit the road, county dispatchers were advised that the pizza shop was on fire.

Built seven years ago, Giovonni’s Pizza replaced a house that was torn down, said Chief James Hillwig of the Sugarcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department.

“Flames were already through the roof when we got there,” Hillwig said.

The intensity of the fire forced firefighters to fight it defensively. Crews remained there for about three hours.

A damage estimate was not immediately available but authorities said the business is considered a total loss.

Assisting the Sugarcreek VFD were firefighters from East Franklin Township, Worthington, Washington Township and Applewold in Armstrong County, Armstrong County, East Brady in Clarion County, and Chicora in Butler County.

John McAuley of Adrian owns the pizza shop, according to the Armstrong County Assessment Office. He could not be reached for comment.