Firefighters escaped explosion in Glassport

The design of an apartment building contributed to the dangerous situation.

A fire that tore through two apartment buildings Sunday in Glassport escalated into an explosion, partial building collapse and mayday situation for firefighters before crews finally cleared the scene around 4 a.m. Monday.

According to a statement released Monday by the Glassport Fire Department, the first alarm was dispatched shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday for a reported fire in a multiunit apartment building near Seventh Street and Indiana Avenue.

According to the statement, the first alarm was dispatched shortly before 2 p.m. for a reported fire in a multi-unit apartment building near Seventh Street and Indiana Avenue.

While crews were en route, police advised firefighters that people could still be trapped inside.

At the request of Lt. Josh Hickman, a second alarm was added along with an additional engine from Jefferson Hills before crews arrived to the scene.

When Assistant Chief Anthony Foster reached the scene, heavy smoke and flames were already showing from a two-story duplex.

Firefighters immediately began searching the building, attacking the fire and checking nearby apartments for extension.

Crews were initially told everyone had made it out safely, although pets were believed to still be inside.

Firefighters found heavy fire on the first floor in the living room, hallway and a bedroom. Although crews knocked down most of the visible flames, the fire quickly spread through hidden spaces inside the old balloon-frame buildings.

Fire officials said the fire moved through concealed voids in the walls and roof and eventually reached the cockloft area above the apartments.

Crews working on the roof encountered heavy flames and a second false roof and were pulled back as conditions worsened.

The operation shifted from an interior attack to a defensive strategy, with firefighters using ladder trucks and aerial master streams to fight the fire from outside.

As the fire spread into the neighboring building at 642 Indiana Ave., a third alarm was requested.

While crews were working inside the exposed building, firefighters encountered what officials described as a backdraft, an explosive ignition that happens when oxygen enters a superheated area.

Lincoln Borough VRFC said on Monday one of their volunteers was inside when the explosion happened.

“Yesterday (Sunday) we were requested to Glassport to standby as part of their 2nd Alarm assignment for a structure fire,” the fire company stated. “Our engine responded to the scene after a third alarm was struck. One of our officers was part of an interior crew that was inside on the 2nd floor when a backdraft occurred. We are grateful only minor injuries occurred to the crew and thankful that their training instincts and experience allowed them to stay calm and get out of the building.”

The explosion caused part of the building to collapse.

An emergency evacuation was ordered and a mayday was declared for firefighters still inside.

Rapid intervention crews were sent in, but all firefighters were able to get out on their own. Officials said the injuries were minor.

Firefighters also rescued two cats during the incident.

One cat was found alive but struggling to breathe during the early stages of the fire.

Firefighters gave the animal oxygen using pet resuscitation equipment before it was taken to an emergency veterinarian.

Roughly seven hours later, firefighters briefly re-entered the original building to search for a second missing cat. That cat also was found alive and reunited with its owner after receiving oxygen.

In a statement shared by In Care of Cats in Elizabeth, the group thanked firefighters and emergency crews who helped save the animals during the fire.

“We are happy that there were no human casualties, but also appreciative of the humane care of the cat,” the statement said.

The statement praised the efforts to rescue and treat the pets, saying such compassion for animals was not always common.

“There was a time when such consideration for the pets did not exist,” the statement said. “Thanks for helping move mankind a little further forward.”

The incident lasted about 13 hours, with crews leaving the scene around 4 a.m. Monday.

Fire officials said five people were injured.

Two people were taken to local hospitals, treated and released.

Crews demolished both apartment buildings because of the structural damage.

According to WPXI, demolition work was briefly stopped Monday when an excavator fell into a basement while crews were tearing down the buildings.

“It’s surreal,” neighbor Timmy Fullen told WPXI.

Neighbors gathered during the overnight hours to watch the demolition continue.

“I couldn’t sleep at all. Obviously, like a lot of people, probably can’t sleep either. They’re watching it like me,” Fullen said.

Neighbor Eddie Iwanowski said he was saddened by the loss.

“It was a nice place, so it’s sad to see it go,” Iwanowski told WPXI. “And all the people that lost their residences here, sad.”

Some neighbors said the fire left them worried about their own homes.

“I’m looking around, making sure there’s nothing near anything hot. I’m unplugging my stove and everything,” Fullen told WPXI.

The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are assisting people displaced by the fire.

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services of Western PA said on Monday two canteens and crews responded and remained on scene for nearly 13 hours.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office.