PITTSBURGH --
An early-morning fire destroyed a house that Homewood neighbors said has been abandoned for 10 to 15 years, and a deputy Pittsburgh fire chief said it's a miracle that his crew wasn't badly hurt.
The blaze on Hamilton Avenue near North Homewood Avenue was reported shortly after 3 a.m. Friday.
Flames were so intense that the front walls of the building began to cave in. The fire also damaged Phase III, a bar located next door.
"It kind of happened almost instantaneously," Deputy Fire Chief Michael Mullen said of the collapse. "We have two firefighters that were injured. One has a leg injury. One has some injuries to his back and neck."
Paramedics took both firefighters to the hospital, and both were said to be in good condition.
The bar owner said there's water damage in the basement, but he called it a true blessing that he'll be able to remain open for business. He was thankful for the efforts of the firefighters -- many of whom are also customers of the bar.
The fire marshal is investigating what caused the fire.
Firefighters were still hosing down hot spots at 6 a.m.
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