Five-Alarm Blaze Engulfs Pittsburgh Homes

Nov. 8, 2007
Some people were unaware of the fire until a neighbor pounded on their door.

PITTSBURGH --

Twelve people were burned out of their homes by a five-alarm fire in Pittsburgh's Polish Hill section Wednesday afternoon.

The blaze fully engulfed one home in the 3000 block of Brereton Street before spreading to two neighboring buildings.

Some people were unaware of the fire until a neighbor pounded on their door.

"These rowhouses would have went, because they're old houses and they would have went down," said Rich Zielmanski, who called 911. "So I thank God that I could get the people out. That's the main thing."

None of the residents of the homes was hurt. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

There is no word on what caused the blaze, but firefighters said they believe it started on the first floor of the first home.

Police said the fire looked suspicious, and they said one man was taken into custody for questioning, but no charges have been filed.

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