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.
