Published on April 27, 2025
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire was dispatched to the 3200 block of Dawson Street in South Oakland just before 8:30 a.m. for a residential fire.
A second alarm was called just before 9:00 a.m.
All residents were able to safely evacuate the house.
The homeowner told firefighters that he had been doing construction work, including working with chemicals like paint thinner, in the rear of the home prior to the fire.
After the flames were extinguished, Fire Investigation Unit detectives entered the residence and were able to confirm the fire originated from the spontaneous combustion of those construction materials.
The fire was contained within the single structure. No injuries were reported.
The American Red Cross was called to provide displacement resources to the family.