AVALON (KDKA) --- Emergency crews were called out early Friday morning to battle a fire at the Avalon Motel.

An official on the scene says the fire started in a lower apartment and then worked its way up to the first floor.

Nine residents were evacuated after smoke was first spotted around 2:15 a.m. Another was taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

"I was laying in the bed when I heard the whistle go off for firemen," said Regis Bronkey, who lives at the motel. "Figured there was a fire somewhere in Avalon. Next thing I knew, man pounding on the door saying, 'Get out! get out! There's a fire!'"

Part of Ohio River Boulevard, between Elizabeth and Monitor Avenues, was shut down in both directions after firefighters arrived on the scene. It reopened around 5 a.m.

The fire marshal is investigating.

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