MCKEES ROCKS (KDKA) – Two vacant homes in McKees Rocks went up in flames early Tuesday morning.

According to officials at the scene, the first calls came in around 2:09 a.m. for a fire on Church Avenue.

There was a significant collapse risk at one point as a side of one of the homes began to fall in.

Neither home had utilities connected and it is believed that arson is the cause of the fire.

“We’ve had about a half dozen fires at this same building, all small. Somebody’s been trying to burn it for a while. We’ve had a couple of garages burned in the back over the last year. This one was way out of control,” Chief Nick Radoycis said.

Despite enormous flames, the fire was contained to just two structures, which was a credit to the hard work of the firefighters.

“We arrived on scene we found an enormous ball of fire between the two buildings,” Chief Radoycis said.

“Oh, they did a great job. I wish I could give them big hugs,” Valeri Wagner said.

Thanks to firefighters, Wagner’s home was spared. However, her peace of mind is gone.

“I’m just scared right now. I know it’s coming closer to my house. I just want my parents to get out of here. Too close for comfort,” Wagner said.

Officials said that there was no wind while they fought the fire. With wind, the fire could have spread even more.

Anyone with information about the cause of this fire is asked to call the Allegheny County Fire Marshal.

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