A four-alarm fire broke out early Tuesday morning in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, forcing the evacuation of 30 residents and drawing a large emergency response. The fire started at a three-story, 90-year-old wood-frame apartment building at 5680 Forward Avenue, sending thick smoke and flames pouring from the roof.
Quick Response and Complex Fire Conditions
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire said the call came in at 8:25 a.m., and firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames. Crews faced dangerous conditions but quickly began evacuating residents, including individuals with mobility challenges.
In total, 17 fire companies and 73 firefighters battled the blaze for over four and a half hours. To complicate matters, a secondary electrical fire was discovered in the basement, making the situation even more dangerous. The fire was finally brought under control at 1:08 p.m.
No Injuries, But Pets Affected
Thankfully, no injuries were reported among residents or firefighters. Fire crews were able to rescue two cats, but sadly, a third cat did not survive the fire.
Emergency Support for Displaced Residents
Around 30 residents have been displaced due to the damage. Emergency response teams, including the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the American Red Cross, are providing:
Temporary shelter at the Greenfield Rec Center
Food and water
Medical supplies
Trauma support from social workers with the Office of Community Health and Safety
Community organizations such as the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse and the Salvation Army also stepped in to help both residents and first responders with meals, water, and shelter assistance.
Investigation Underway
The Fire Investigation Unit is actively working to determine the cause of the fire. No official cause has been released yet, and updates are expected in the coming days.
