News

Aug 04, 2023

Fire at Brackenridge duplex under investigation, candle may be the cause

TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. A fire that gutted the second floor and attic of a Brackenridge duplex Friday

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A fire that gutted the second floor and attic of a Brackenridge duplex Friday night may have been started by a candle, according to Allegheny County officials.

Chief Matt Brown, the county’s fire marshal and chief of emergency services, said via email Sunday that the fire remains under investigation.

However, preliminary reports indicate it is believed to have started in a second-floor bedroom and “possibly related to a candle,” Brown wrote. It is unclear when a final report would be completed.

Several parts of the second floor, including most of its windows, were blackened as a result of the blaze at 1045 Brackenridge Ave. Portions of the roof were torn off.

Caution tape and no trespassing signs were posted Saturday.

One person was reportedly injured in connection with the incident. It was unclear how many people lived in the building.

A firefighter at the Pioneer Hose Company station Saturday said their chief and other officers authorized to speak with the media were all on vacation.

An officer at the Tarentum Police Department, which formally began coverage of the neighboring borough Aug. 1, said the police chief may release information Monday.

Brackenridge Council President Timothy Connelly stopped by the property Saturday afternoon.

He said the property owner is expected to speak with the borough Monday about its future.

“I hate to see this stuff happen,” Connelly said.

Knocks on doors of several nearby homes went unanswered.

Messages left with the American Red Cross about possible assistance to the residents of the Brackenridge rental property were not immediately returned Saturday afternoon.

Messages left with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office on Saturday afternoon were also not immediately returned.

Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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