Tobacco News on Cigarettesmax.com | Tobacco Cessation | News On Tobacco Fees

Blawnox High-Rise Fire Caused By Smoking

BLAWNOX (KDKA) ― Investigators say a fire in Blawnox that forced dozens of elderly residents of a high-rise to evacuate was caused by smoking.

Officials say a resident fell asleep while smoking a cigarette in a fifth-floor apartment.

Two years ago, a fire started in the same building because a tenant threw a cigarette in a wastebasket.

The Allegheny County Housing Authority is considering changing its policy.

"What we're going to do is send a survey out to the residents of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, as well as - we have a resident advisory board – as well as meet with them," Frank Aggazio, executive director of the housing authority, said. "And have a serious discussion with our board of directors."

Aggazio says he spoke with evacuated residents at Hoboken Presbyterian Church.

"And I talked to smokers and non-smokers alike and it was very unanimous that they wish that we could ban smoking in the units," he said.

The building has 90 units – 64 units are ready for residents to live in again. The fire caused more than $1 million in damages.

It could take up to three weeks before the fifth floor is restored.