Pittsburgh Area Firefighters Rescue 500 Pound Woman From Apartment Fire

Wilkinsburg (KDKA) Firefighters working to douse flames at a Wilkinsburg apartment building early this morning had to cope with combustibles -- but that wasn't their only challenge; crews had to rescue one resident from her burning apartment as the floor around her was collapsing.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials say it started in the basement of a home along Penn Avenue Extension around 2am.

Flames and thick smoke quickly spread to three apartments.

Chris Jenkins smelled smoke and ran downstairs to help his deaf neighbors on the second floor.

While some residents managed to get out by running through thick smoke and flames, firefighters had to rescue one woman who couldn't get out on her own in time.

"This victim was approximately 500-pounds and we had a very difficult time getting that victim out," explains Wilkinsburg Fire Chief Owen McAfee. "The victim had to be removed using a ladder. We had to lay a ladder across the floor and drag her across the floor because the floor was collapsing into the basement."

In all, the fire affected 16 people in two homes -- including nine children. The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are now assisting the victims.

Meanwhile, the county fire marshal is still searching for a cause; but he suspects it might be electrical.