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Oct 30, 2009 5:48 pm US/Eastern
Blawnox High-Rise Fire Caused By Smoking
BLAWNOX (KDKA) ―
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The fire caused more than $1 million in damages. It could take up to three weeks before the fifth floor is restored.
KDKA
Investigators say a fire in Blawnox that forced dozens of elderly residents of a high-rise to evacuate was caused by smoking.
Officials say a resident fell asleep while smoking a cigarette in a fifth-floor apartment.
Two years ago, a fire started in the same building because a tenant threw a cigarette in a wastebasket.
The Allegheny County Housing Authority is considering changing its policy.
"What we're going to do is send a survey out to the residents of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, as well as - we have a resident advisory board – as well as meet with them," Frank Aggazio, executive director of the housing authority, said. "And have a serious discussion with our board of directors."
Aggazio says he spoke with evacuated residents at Hoboken Presbyterian Church.
"And I talked to smokers and non-smokers alike and it was very unanimous that they wish that we could ban smoking in the units," he said.
The building has 90 units – 64 units are ready for residents to live in again. The fire caused more than $1 million in damages.
It could take up to three weeks before the fifth floor is restored.
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