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PITTSBURGH – The following update is being provided on behalf of Plum Borough and Allegheny County regarding the house explosion on Saturday, August 12:
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s (ACFM) Office continues to investigate. With three exceptions, all properties have been released to the homeowners for any steps they wish to take for their residences, including repairs and demolitions. Plum Borough’s code enforcement would be responsible for accepting any permit or demolition applications and making decisions on them. The Fire Marshal still retains custody of the properties at 139, 141, and 143 Rustic Ridge Drive.
The Fire Marshal’s Office can confirm that it is aware that the homeownners at 141 Rustic Ridge Drive were having hot water tank issues. The tank was located in the basement of the home. ACFM will investigate that information along with any and all other possibilities during their processes that may explain what occurred.
We have received a number of inquiries asking for confirmation or identification of the five individuals recovered from the blast scene. We continue to work with the Medical Examiner’s Office which will make formal identification and will release additional information as it becomes available.
Finally, individuals who do not live in the area, or have no reason to be there, continue to travel to the site. Police and other borough staff have had to respond to ask that individuals leave the area. We again reiterate – If you do not live in the area and do not have any reason to be there, please stay away from the area.
There are no scheduled press conferences at this time, and any future releases will be dependent on what, if any, new information may be available. Should that change, we will advise
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