An Allegheny County landmark experienced an unsettling episode late Tuesday night as flames burst forth from the bell tower of a former church on California Avenue. As reported by WPXI, the structure, which has been converted into a residence, caught fire around 10 p.m., prompting a rapid response from local emergency services.
The original church's bell tower, which now serves as part of a unique living space, was seen with flames licking its heights before crews managed to quell the blaze. Despite the potential for disaster, the fire was contained in the bell tower and did not manifest into the main building. Thankfully, the county dispatch officials confirmed that nobody was harmed during the incident.
The fire marshal’s investigation is ongoing, but as of yet, no information has been released regarding the potential source or circumstances leading up to the fire. As WTAE notes, the rapid containment of the fire by firefighting crews helped to prevent what could have been a much more destructive event.
