Nearly 200 people displaced due to fire at Second Avenue Commons

PITTSBURGH — Nearly 200 people have been displaced by a fire at Second Avenue Commons in Pittsburgh’s Bluff neighborhood.

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Smoke was seen billowing from the homeless shelter at 700 2nd Avenue just after 1 p.m. Tuesday. Fire officials on the scene said an air conditioning unit on the roof caught fire, causing heavy damage to the roof and walls.

The fire was considered a three-alarm due to being at a high-rise building.

No one had to be rescued from the building, but several people were taken to the hospital from the scene, fire officials said. Four firefighters were hurt and three of them were transported. Two civilians who were outside the building were also taken to the hospital for heat-related symptoms.

All utilities have been shut off in the building, meaning 180 residents have been displaced.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said residents are being taken to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center as an emergency protocol, as it can accommodate the number of people impacted and there are no conflicting events being held.

Several agencies are working to aid the people displaced, including the Department of Human Services and Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. Those who wish to donate to the victims can do so at the convention center, Innamorato said.

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