Fire at Brackenridge duplex under investigation, candle may be the cause

A fire that gutted the second floor and attic of a Brackenridge duplex Friday night may have been started by a candle, according to Allegheny County officials.

Chief Matt Brown, the county’s fire marshal and chief of emergency services, said via email Sunday that the fire remains under investigation.

However, preliminary reports indicate it is believed to have started in a second-floor bedroom and “possibly related to a candle,” Brown wrote. It is unclear when a final report would be completed.

American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region spokeswoman Nicole Roschella said Monday that seven people were given emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs by the Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

Several parts of the second floor, including most of its windows, were blackened as a result of the blaze at 1045 Brackenridge Ave. Portions of the roof were torn off.

Caution tape and no trespassing signs were posted Saturday.

One person was reportedly injured in connection with the incident. It was unclear how many people lived in the building.

A firefighter at the Pioneer Hose Company station Saturday said their chief and other officers authorized to speak with the media were all on vacation.

An officer at the Tarentum Police Department, which formally began coverage of the neighboring borough Aug. 1, said the police chief may release information Monday.

Brackenridge Council President Timothy Connelly stopped by the property Saturday afternoon.

He said the property owner is expected to speak with the borough Monday about its future.

“I hate to see this stuff happen,” Connelly said.

Knocks on doors of several nearby homes went unanswered.