A brick duplex under renovation in Sharpsburg went up in flames Sunday evening, causing half of the building to be demolished just before midnight.
“We had to tear half of it down because the roof had collapsed to the basement,” said Mike Daniher, chief of Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services.
“There was nothing left supporting the building.”
No injuries were reported, Daniher said.
His department was among multiple crews called about 7:30 p.m. to the scene at 12-14 Fifth St.
The apartment units were vacant but were in the process of being remodeled, Daniher said.
According to the Allegheny County Real Estate website, the 119-year-old building was assessed at $31,000.
Firefighters battled the intense blaze for hours. Flames engulfed the building and shot into the sky.
Blistering heat melted the siding on neighboring homes, causing damage to at least three structures, Daniher said.
Crews from Blawnox, Pleasant Valley, Cherry City, Millvale and Etna assisted at the scene.
