Probe Into Fire That Destroyed Popular Pittsburgh Bar Completed

CARNEGIE, PA — The investigation into the massive blaze that destroyed Riley's Pour House in November is finished, the popular Irish tavern's owners said in an update on Monday.

In a Facebook post, the owners stated that they spent time over the holidays grieving the loss of the East Main Street pub while working diligently through the insurance process. They also began mulling "how we rebuild to include the very best parts of our history and to bring back the Pour House better than ever, for all of us.

"After the completion of the fire investigations, the lot has finally been released and we are now working with Carnegie, our neighbors and demolition experts to have the lot cleared for current safety concerns and for future development."

While that small bit of progress should come as good news to Riley's many fans, the bar owners said that because of the fire, which began in the kitchen, they will be unable to host their traditional St. Patrick's Day event this year.

"We dearly miss all of you and appreciate the support and kind thoughts over the past few months," the post stated. "Now it is time to focus our efforts on rebuilding. Please stay tuned for announcements where we can all be together and support this effort to build."