Fire, water damage force 90 residents out of Springdale high-rise

SPRINGDALE, Pa. — Residents of an apartment building in Springdale was evacuated Thursday morning, when fire broke out on the sixth floor.

Firefighters were called to Springdale Manor on Pittsburgh Street shortly before 6 a.m.

reports that a man was trapped inside the apartment where the fire started. He was rescued and did not suffer serious injuries.%

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About 30 people were initially evacuated due to the fire. When the sprinkler system did not shut off, many apartments sustained water damage and all residents were evacuated.

"The pressure in the sprinkler system was so great it was blowing the wedges back out of the sprinkler heads," Springdale Assistant Fire Chief Dan Copeland said.

"My cupboards on the first floor are full, my kitchen floor, the living room rug," resident Joyce Bash said.

Many of the evacuated residents were taken by bus to the borough building.

There were no immediate reports of serious injuries. Despite initial reports that smoking may have been to blame, investigators now believe a candle caused the fire.

The 90-unit high-rise is home to senior citizens and is owned by the Allegheny County Housing Authority.

Officials called in a restoration crew.

Those who cannot stay with family members will be placed in hotels or in other apartments owned by the Allegheny County Housing Authority.

Cox Media Group