2 dozen Arnold Manor residents displaced by fire expected to return to high-rise Tuesday

Residents displaced by a fire Thursday at Arnold Manor public housing in Arnold are expected to return to their apartments next week.

The 76-unit high-rise complex, built in the 1970s, was evacuated about 2 p.m. Thursday when a fire erupted in apartment No. 411.

The American Red Cross and a fire restoration company hired by the Westmoreland Housing Authority have been assisting residents around the clock to help them get settled into area hotels or with family and friends.

“We were pleased there were no injuries. It’s a blessing,” Westmoreland County Housing Authority Executive Director Michael Washowich said. “We expect to have residents back Tuesday.”

About 24 residents are affected from the 18 impacted apartment units.

Arnold Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 public information officer Chris O’Leath said Friday he’d received no further updates on the fire investigation, which is being conducted by a state police fire marshal. No major injuries were reported.

Arnold Manor is on Horne Boulevard and operated by the county housing authority.

Washowich confirmed apartment No. 411 is “charred and torched” and will have to be completely rebuilt. That is expected to take months.

The man who lives there is reported to be in good spirits.

Washowich said that tenant has been permanently relocated to another apartment within the housing authority.

He was not home when the fire broke out.

Apartments 511 and 611, directly above 411, also sustained damage.

Washowich described Arnold Manor as a “fortress” whose concrete walls and floors likely helped to keep the fire from spreading.

Resident George Adams, 64, said he’s grateful his apartment fared well, with minimal smoke damage.

Adams arrived at Arnold Manor about 10 p.m. after working all day. He hadn’t heard about the fire, and it was dark outside when he arrived home.

“I didn’t have my phone with me. My friend texted me about the fire,” Adams said. “At first I thought it was a joke.”

Adams said a deaf person and paraplegic were among the residents evacuated and he’s relieved nobody was injured.

Resident Laurence Alexander is staying at a local hotel. He said his apartment sustained soot damage.

“I’m very grateful. They’ve been great,” Alexander said of the Red Cross.

Washowich praised the first responders, which included fire departments from Arnold, Lower Burrell, New Kensington, Upper Burrell, Allegheny Township and Freeport.

“I especially want to thank the fire and police staff of Arnold for responding,” Washowich said. “Our residents are important to us.”