Friday, January 23, 2015

9 APARTMENTS, 5 BUSINESSES DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN MASSIVE 7-ALARM FIRE OUTSIDE PITTSBURGH





 

9 APARTMENTS, 5 BUSINESSES DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN MASSIVE FIRE OUTSIDE PITTSBURGH




January 23, 2015




HOMESTEAD, Pa. —

After the Avalon of Edgewater disaster yesterday that destroyed 240+ apartments, we have another one in Homestead, PA.
 



Nine apartments and five businesses were either destroyed or damaged in a fire outside of the city of Pittsburgh Friday.




The seven-alarm blaze quickly escalated after it was first reported around 4:30 a.m. in Homestead. Homestead is located just a short distance from downtown Pittsburgh and across the river from other Pittsburgh neighborhoods.




Two buildings collapsed while the fire raged on East 8th Avenue, but officials said no firefighters were hurt.




One woman and one man are being treated at UPMC Mercy Hospital for smoke inhalation. Two other people were rescued from the blaze.



A total of 22 fire departments were called to fight the flames that quickly spread to many buildings. 




Just before 6:30 a.m. alarms were sounded for firefighters inside the burning buildings to evacuate.




Initially, firefighters thought one person was unaccounted for and feared he may still be inside one of the burning buildings. However, just before 8 a.m. Channel 11 News learned that the man was found alive and unharmed. All other residents have been accounted for.



In additional to apartment buildings, several businesses were also destroyed in the blaze.



“It's like losing a family member,” said Homestead Mayor Betty Esper, who arrived at the scene early. “I feel so sorry for the business people who are trying so hard to bring this area back together.




 People who live in the area also said there are widespread power outages. 




A Duquesne Light spokeswoman said the company cut power to areas of Homestead on request of public safety officials. She said about 700 homes and businesses were without power as of 8:50 a.m.




“Right now we're working to restore power to as many homes as we can without compromising safety,” spokeswoman Jessica Rock said. “We hope to have half restored in the next hour or so. The rest won't be turned on until we get the OK from officials.”




Many roads around the area were closed while firefighters continued to bring the flames under control. Channel 11's Pamela Osborne reported that E. 8th Avenue and 7th Street will remain closed through the evening commute.