Chemicals Combust To Cause House Fire

PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – Thick smoke was pouring from a house fire in Pittsburgh on Sunday morning. Allegheny County 911 officials say first responders were called to a fire on Dawson Street near Frazier Street around 8:30 a.m. in the city’s South Oakland area. A second-alarm response was called just before 9 a.m., firefighters say. Fire erupted from the roof of the house moments after homeowner Tara Lewis said her husband saw the flames quickly crawl up the wall from the second floor. Heavy smoke filled the neighborhood as firefighters raced to save what they could and protect neighboring homes. Investigators said the fire started after a spontaneous combustion of construction materials inside the house. Lewis’ husband told Channel 11 he’s done a lot of renovation work to their home of 30 years and stored chemicals like paint thinner, rags and paint cans upstairs. The house is now condemned but the family said they do plan on rebuilding and eventually moving back in. The fire was contained to one house. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is helping provide resources to the displaced family.