Fire badly damages Yinzers sports store in Pittsburgh's Strip District

A major fire Wednesday night in Pittsburgh’s Strip District left a city firefighter injured and a business badly damaged.

Flames and heavy smoke could be seen coming from Yinzers In The Burgh along the 1700 block of Penn Avenue.

City Fire Chief Darryl Jones said crews responded to a fire alarm shortly before 8:10 p.m.

“Engine 3 from around the corner noticed heavy smoke on the third floor, made entry and ran into heavy fire conditions on the third floor,” Jones said. “The fire broke through the roof … The fire did move a little bit to one other unit. However, it was contained.”

One firefighter sustained a shoulder injury and was transported to UPMC Mercy hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jones said the fire caused “heavy damage” and took about an hour to get under control.

Yinzers owner Jim Coen said he first thought the incident to be a false alarm but decided to head to the shop after talking with family members.

“We have false alarms all the time (like) when someone pulls hard on the door,” Coen said fighting back tears. “I didn’t really think much of it. My wife said, ‘You better go. Go.’

”When I hit (Route) 28 and I saw that smoke, I almost wrecked my car.

“I was praying that there was nobody in any of the other buildings. It just breaks my heart. I feel bad for the other businesses. They’re all my friends. I hope it doesn’t hurt them. We’ve already been hurt enough.”

Slight damage was reported at a party supply store next to Yinzers at the Penn Avenue and 18th Street intersection.

No other injuries were reported as of Wednesday night. Traffic was blocked off at the Penn Avenue and 21st Street intersection.

Coen praised the firefighters for their efforts; he said many of them are like family and frequently stopped by the building.

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said the last few days have been trying for emergency responders in the area due to the number of calls and additional safety measures due to the covid-19 pandemic.

“In the last 24 hours, for the first responders here in the city have been very taxing,” Hissrich said. “Especially having to worry about the virus and wear a mask and social distancing. I think it’s important that the public knows the first responders, police, fire and EMS are still out there doing their job to save the day. They will continue to do that.”

Crews were still tending to hot spots late Wednesday night.