Michael DiVittorio
The Tribune-Review, Greensburg
MILLVALE, Pa. — A Millvale family of three was rescued from their burning home by borough police Monday afternoon.
Emergency responders were dispatched to 301 William St. shortly after 4 p.m.
“Heavy fire from the porch area extended into the house,” Millvale fire Chief Karl Cavanaugh said “Crews were able to keep it to the original fire building. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal will be investigating at this time.”
Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze, one suffered a twisted ankle and the other sustained burns.
The extent and severity of the injuries was not clear late Monday. The burned firefighter was transported to a hospital while the other was treated at the scene.
A mother and her teen children, a daughter and a son, were at home at the time of the fire.
Police Chief Tim Komoroski said an officer was able to get them out safely.
“He did a great job (like) all of our officers,” the chief said. “He’s fairly new, but he’s well-trained and didn’t hesitate and encouraged them to get out. The mother and the daughter were upstairs. The son was downstairs in the basement.”
Multiple fire departments responded to the scene including O’Hara, Sharpsburg, Bellevue, Ross, Shaler and Aspinwall. Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services also assisted.
Several roads were blocked off including Sample Street, where resident Linda Getz lives. She said she knows the family in the damaged home and is happy they made it out.
“I heard the (fire) trucks and, normally, they’re for the high-rise,” Getz said. “There were a lot more trucks than the normal high-rise (alarm). As I come out and look, there were flames and smoke. It was crazy. It’s a shame that house is gone.
The house is believed to be a total loss. No other injuries were reported.
___
(c)2021 The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)