Carl Szmbrod was in his morning routine — hanging out at Tom and Jerry’s Car Wash with his friend and owner Tom Stillman — when a fire broke out in one of the bays around 10 a.m. on Friday.

“All of a sudden [at the] number five bay we [saw] flames and that’s when it went up,” Szmbrod said.

They quickly called 911 and got cars and customers away from the Second Avenue building. Watervliet and Colonie firefighters were able to contain flames to the car wash, and protect neighboring buildings.

“It appears to have started somewhere in the middle of the building right now from what we can see,” said Michael Romano, Colonie deputy fire coordinator.

Romano says firefighters faced several challenges during the fire, including the weather and materials inside the car wash.

“Whatever chemicals they use to wash out cars with, we’re not going to subject our men to this. It’s just not worth it,” Romano said.

The car wash has been part of this community since 1965. Szmbrod says it was started by husband and wife Tom and Jerry Stillman. He says it’s tough to see it destroyed after all these years.

“It’s a hangout for me. Something to do, meet people, make changes. Hey, that’s life I guess,” Szmbrod said.