Fireworks lead to girl being hurt during dance class, 2 fires in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Three dangerous incidents involving fireworks happened Thursday night in Pittsburgh, but there were more than 80 complaints in all.

A firework was thrown into the gym at McNaugher School on Maple Street during a dance class, causing a minor burn to a girl’s foot, officials said.

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At about 11 p.m., a group of people was shooting off fireworks near the old Horace Mann School on Shadeland Avenue in the city’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood. Members of the Fireworks Taskforce told them to stop and clean up their debris, but about 40 minutes later firefighters were called when the roof of the building caught fire.

The fire caused an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 in damage, officials said.

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Horace Mann fire damage Fireworks caused a fire after landing on the roof of the former Horace Mann elementary school in Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Bureau of Police)

Earlier in the day, a large brush fire on Rose Street in the city’s Hill District was believed to have been caused by fireworks, officials said.

“State law prohibits the use of fireworks, even those that are legal, within 150 feet of any structure. Fireworks are also prohibited in all parks, any public space, and on private property without consent of the landowner. Anyone caught violating fireworks law is subject to a $100 fine and the possible seizure of their fireworks,” a news release said.

No arrests have been made in the three incidents, but anyone with information is asked to call the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police at 412-323-7800.

On Thursday alone, officials said there were 85 fireworks complaints across all six Pittsburgh police zones.

Fire breaks out at old Pittsburgh school building after fireworks reported Fire breaks out at old Pittsburgh school building after fireworks reported

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