Firefighters are saying the metal roof of the Mayville Diner was the biggest challenge when fighting the diner fire overnight Monday. It took emergency crews seven hours to put the fire out.

Metal roofs can act as ovens during fires and trap heat inside, which intensifies the fire. Fires can double in size every 30 seconds and when every second counts, metal roofs only delay firefighters from getting water on the flames.

The Mayville Diner's metal roof was installed over the existing roof, meaning emergency crews had to cut through two roofs to get to the fire. Metal roofs require a special saw called a K-12, which is used to cut through any metal firefighters might encounter when battling fires.

Erie News Now reported a few weeks ago on the challenges firefighters face when it comes to metal roofs. Despite the difficulties the metal poses during fires, it has no affect on insurance according to the Mayville Diner's insurance agent. He also told Erie News Now having a newer roof is seen as a positive from an insurance standpoint, regardless of material.