Portion Of Fire-Damaged Pittsburgh-Area High School To Be Demolished

ELIZABETH, PA — A portion of fire-ravaged Elizabeth Forward High School needs to be demolished, Superintendent Keith Konyk said in a message on the district website. There is no timetable as to when students will be able to return to the building, but Konyk said families should prepare for an extended period of remote learning.

"The school has fire, water, smoke, and structural damage that must be dealt with in different stages," Konyk wrote. "We have been informed that parts of the auditorium will need to undergo a controlled demolition to access the utilities below.

"Restoration companies are currently focusing on the remaining areas of the school that have been affected by smoke and water damage."

The four-alarm fire occurred Sunday. The cause of the blaze is not considered to be suspicious.

"Local politicians, state representatives, the governor’s office, and the Pennsylvania Secretary of
Education have offered their support and expressed interest in visiting the site," Konyk wrote.

"They are willing to advocate for the school district and our needs. We will continue to use our relationships with these individuals to assist us when needed."