Polish Hill has a large percentage of wood frame buildings, and our neighborhood has seen many fires over the years.  In the last few years, at least eight buildings have been severely damaged or lost to fire.

Sadly, there was another fire on Monday morning.  Here is the full text of the Post-Gazette item on the incident:

“A 49-year-old woman suffered burns on her hands and arms after falling asleep while smoking and using an oxygen tank at her home in Polish Hill today, fire officials said.

The woman’s two cats were found dead in the house, apparently from smoke inhalation. The woman was taken to UPMC Shadyside to be treated. Her condition was not available.

The blaze occurred in a home in the 3700 block of Melwood Avenue just before 7 a.m., causing extensive damage to the living room on the first floor.

The woman had been lying on her couch, using an oxygen tank and smoking a cigarette.”

(here is the Post-Gazette item on the P-G site)

We extend our regrets to this resident on her injury and the loss of her pets, and we’re glad that the damage was limited.  This particular residence was freestanding, with no houses nearby.  Many fires take out more than one building.  We’re particularly vulnerable here, on the hillside, with all our wood frame houses.  Check the batteries in those smoke detectors, keep an eye on holiday decorations, and please be careful!