Firefighters battle 3-alarm apartment fire in Etna
UPDATE: Arson charges have been filed against a 74-year-old man in connection with the fire. Allegheny County Police say that Elmer Lewis admitted to pouring gasoline throughout the building and garage and lighting a fire.
ETNA, Pa. (KDKA) -- At least six people are displaced after a fire and explosion in Etna. The fire chief at the scene questions what started it.
Around noon, fire crews got the call for a fire on Vilsack Street near Kraus Street. A building with five apartments was ablaze. Neighbors like Sid Schibler woke up to the sound of sirens.
"I was very sad for the people that live there. They are decent neighbors, so any house fire is sad and traumatic," she said.
She came out to see flames shooting from the second and third floors along with the attic. The fire soon spread to the neighboring home. According to Etna Fire Chief Greg Porter, there were flammable liquids in the basement. They exploded and sent the garage door and glass flying.
"It was a little scary. At that moment, this is intense; I might as well take a few steps back and let them do their job," Schibler said.
According to Chief Porter, one firefighter had to be taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion. A couple of challenges they ran into included the tight streets, close homes, and a hydrant that had issues at first.
"It took us an extra minute to get it open, but it worked fine," Chief Porter said once the flames were out.
As for a cause, that is still under investigation, but Chief Porter questions the intensity of flames and the time of day.
"I don't know the cause of it, but it is concerning to me to see that volume of fire that quickly," he said.
Somehow, everyone between the two buildings was able to get out safely.
"Thank God, because it could have been way worse if they didn't. it would have been a lot more sad," Schibler said.
Both the Allegheny County Fire Marshal and detectives with Allegheny County Police are investigating.
A cause has yet to be revealed.
