Large Fire At Downtown Pittsburgh Homeless Shelter Displaces 180

PITTSBURGH, PA — A blaze erupted at Second Avenue Commons in Downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon, triggering a heavy response by firefighters and displacing the 180 residents of the homeless shelter.

According to officials, an air conditioning unit on the roof caught fire and caused significant damage.

No serious injuries were reported, although four firefighters were hurt; three were taken to the hospital. Two were suffering from heat exhaustion, one had chest discomfort and one had a hand injury.

The county Department of Human Services is working to find accommodations for the shelter's residents, who temporarily are staying at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

According to its website, Second Avenue Commons provides shelter access for adults and their partners, pets and possessions. The facility is a collaboration between the human services department, Pittsburgh Mercy, UPMC, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh and Second Avenue Commons Inc.

The shelter has 95 beds in group sleeping rooms and 43 single-room occupancy apartments that help transition people to independent living.