NEW ALEXANDRIA, Pa. -- A large fire that briefly closed part of Route 22 in Westmoreland County and caused extensive traffic backups is suspected to be a case of arson.

Thick, black smoke started pouring from a row of about 40 self-storage units near Route 981 in New Alexandria at about noon on May 26.

Anyone who may have information about the fire is asked to call police. Thousands of dollars worth of property -- furniture, appliances, guns and a car -- were damaged.

"When we rolled on scene there was heavy smoke. You couldn't tell which bay it was coming out of in the beginning. Once they opened up the doors, the guys went in and started putting out the fire," said New Alexandria VFD Asst. Fire Chief Rich McNaughton.

SLIDESHOW: See Photos From The Fire Scene
Video: Watch Jennifer Miele's Report From May 26

The closest fire hydrant was a quarter-mile away on the opposite side of the highway, WTAE Channel 4's Jennifer Miele reported.

Firefighters had to shut down Route 22 to run hoses and wait for six pumpers from several fire departments to arrive.

"Water was a problem right off the bat. The hydrant is across the highway. We were trying not to shut down Route 22 in a construction zone, but ultimately we had to because water was an issue," said McNaughton.

Cordie Wofford, of Meadville, told Miele that he drove by the fire and saw his unit going up in flames. His motorcycle was saved, but he lost clothes and belongings that he said were being stored while he was looking for a house to buy.

"I was just coming down here to put some mice traps in there and I saw it was on fire. I have a motorcycle in there, my four wheelers, my clothes, my guns," said Wofford.

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