Firefighters were called Sunday morning after flames rekindled at the scene of a fire that destroyed a former restaurant in Penn Hills Saturday.
The fire first broke out shortly before 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the building, which formerly housed Vicino restaurant.
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Seven firefighters were trapped inside the restaurant at one point and crews were forced to evacuate the building, officials said.
“They did get trapped,” Penn Hills Fire Chief Shawn Snyder said. “Our rapid intervention teams were deployed and we got them out pretty quickly.”
All firefighters were accounted for; however, three suffered injuries.
“Of course you get scared and don't know what's going to happen. Thankfully, God was on our side and we got out,” Firefighter Andrew Slavin said.
Snyder said two of the injured firefighters suffered minor burns. The third had more substantial burns.
Water tankers were called in from two counties on Saturday to help firefighters with the blaze. Foam was also used.
Snyder said the fire started in a sub-basement, making it difficult to battle.
A portion of Allegheny River Boulevard was closed for several hours Saturday.
The fire rekindled late Saturday night and again Sunday morning.
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