Pittsburg, PA
Family plans to rebuild after fire destroys home in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood
It’s not the way anyone would want to start their Sunday morning. Just after sunrise, a fire tore through a family’s home in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.
It was a beautiful sunny morning on Dawson Street, and for many, they were probably enjoying coffee, but for Tara Lewis, she woke up to the smell of smoke.
Her home of 30 years is now gone.
“I’m feeling taken aback. I’m feeling confused and just at a loss for words,” Lewis said. “I was met with smoke on the second floor. My grandson came downstairs, said he smelled smoke, and when we opened the door, it was all on the third floor.”
The family had been in the middle of renovations. Construction materials and chemicals meant for rebuilding their dreams instead fueled the flames on the third floor, eventually blowing up.
The family, their dog, and only two precious items made it out.
Neighbors say they watched in disbelief as the smoke rose high above the power lines, fearing the fire would spread to another home.
Tara’s grandson, who escaped the fire, spends a lot of time at the community club right across the street. His friends say they quickly stepped up, trying to help him cope.
“The worst part about it is he hasn’t even graduated from high school. He has to experience one of the most debilitating things a person can experience before he got his diploma, which I think is insane,” childhood friend Adam Khalil said.
The Lewis home wasn’t just another house on the block; it was a piece of the neighborhood’s heart. For decades, families gathered there for cookouts and celebrations.
“This is horrible. This is one of the most beautiful houses on the street. I was literally raised in this house,” Terald Harris said. “Got a lot of memories in there. A lot of memories.”
Even with the Flames gone, the fire has left its mark.
“I don’t think that smell is going to go away anytime soon. I think it’s going to haunt this neighborhood a little,” Khalil added.
The family says, despite the damage, they have plans to rebuild the home.
Plans have been unveiled for this year’s First Night activities for people celebrating ringing in the new year in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The 32nd annual First Night celebrations will return to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on New Year’s Eve with live music performances, a number of different kind of activities, and of course, a countdown to midnight as the city turns the page from 2025 and welcomes 2026.
First Night will feature the Highmark Stage at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street where there will be a welcome and kick-off starting at 7 p.m., followed by a sing-off, a family dance party, and children’s fireworks.
“We refreshed this year’s schedule to make sure we’re truly offering something for everyone,” said Brooke Horejsi, Chief Programming & Engagement Officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The kid-friendly ‘early eve’ celebration offers families a fun night out while new events like the Dollar Bank Battle of the Bands will charge up the crowd all the way to midnight. Special thanks to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for the generous support of this special community tradition.”
In addition to the events on the Highmark Stage, First Night will also feature events like ice sculpting, roaming dancers, a battle of the bands, and more.
As the clock reaches midnight, New Year’s Eve will make way for 2026 as the Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise high above the Cultural District with fireworks and the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
“Our partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for First Night Pittsburgh is a highlight we look forward to each year, and we are proud to once again sponsor this community celebration,” says David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health. “Through our Highmark Bright Blue Futures program, this occasion gives life to our enterprise mission: cultivating a healthy and flourishing community as we step into 2026.”
All of this year’s events will be free and open to the public, except for two indoor ticketed petformances.
More information along with a full lineup of First Night events can be found online.
Pittsburg, PA
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