Low water pressure a concern after residential fire

A recent fire in McKeesport in which low water pressure was a major problem has prompted city officials to reach out to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County to see about improving the flow.

The cause of the June 16 fire in the 2600 block Cleveland Street in the Grandview neighborhood is still under investigation. However, low water flow is being blamed for the spread of the fire.

The fire completely leveled one home and damaged five neighboring homes and sent four people to the hospital.

The City of McKeesport pays more than $30,000 per year to use hydrants owned by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County.

Mayor Michael Cherepko said in a statement that McKeesport residents and firefighters deserve sufficient resources, including larger diameter lines to feed hydrants. The mayor and the city’s fire chief met with authority officials a few days after the fire to talk about low pressure.

“Our thoughts certainly are with the residents who are dealing with this tragic and terrifying incident,” Mr. Cherepko said. “Our number one priority has always been to ensure the safety of our residents, and right now, we are working with Westmoreland Water to make sure the authority’s infrastructure is compatible with our priorities,” he said.

He said he will not settle for anything less than the authority running a new line to that area to permanently fix the problem.

McKeesport Fire Chief Jeffrey Tomovcsik said the fire was well involved when crews arrived and the main goal was to get the victims out of the house.

“In this neighborhood in particular, the age and size of the pipes prohibit a sufficient water volume for fire suppression,” Chief Tomovcsik said.

Water tankers from Monroeville, Lincoln and Rostraver were called to the scene to assist McKeesport firefighters.

Matthew Junker, spokesperson for the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, said the authority has invested more than $3 million in the McKeesport water system in the past year to improve water supply and quality.

“Further investments of $2.1 million are planned in the next 12 months,” Mr. Junker said. “We are also examining distribution system upgrades that will improve service in thisarea and others.”

Mr. Cherepko said he will work diligently to make sure the project stays on task.

“I understand why our residents are frustrated or scared, which is why I am asking Westmoreland Water to make this project a priority,” Mr. Cherepko said.