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3-Alarm Fire Destroys Daycare In Knoxville

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A three-alarm fire destroyed and large residence that also housed a daycare center in Pittsburgh's Knoxville-Allentown section overnight.

The flames erupted around 1 a.m. in the 18-room home on the 200-block of Jucunda Street.

We had a fire on the second floor rear and we had water problems," said Battalion Chief Terry Cherchiaro, of the Pittsburgh Fire Department.

One woman was reportedly able to get out of the house and no injuries were reported.

However, low water pressure presented a problem for firefighters at the scene. Also, the homes are located in close proximity to each other on a narrow road.

"The first company took a hydrant coming in, once they turned the hydrant on we found out there wasn't enough water to supply a tack line, or an exposure line," said Battalion Chief Cherchiaro. "So, we had to get other companies to take hydrants in the area which was basically just robbing from each other and we just had low water pressure. We had to fight the whole fire with limited lines and water."

"To see them having those hoses out and no water coming out it was very, very frightening," said Sarah Jamella Martin, a neighbor.

So far, there is no word on what sparked the fire, but authorities are investigating the cause.

Officials with the fire department say the blaze caused $60,000 in damage to the structure as well as $10,000 to the contents inside.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

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