Operations & Training

PA Firefighter Collapses on Roof of Burning House

Jan. 15, 2021

Crews worked to put out a fire that started in the basement of a Greensburg home and quickly spread, sending thick smoke into the air that made it tough for firefighters to locate the scene.

By Jacob Tierney

Source Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.

A firefighter collapsed on the roof of a burning house in Greensburg, PA, as crews worked to put out the residential fire early Friday.

A Southwest Greensburg firefighter was injured while battling a house fire Friday morning, according to Greensburg Fire Chief Tom Bell.

The fire at 231 Painter Street in Greensburg was reported around 2:30 a.m.

01/14/21 2:30am Paintet st. City of Greensburg Working house fire. Was a bit delayed getting to the scene. Great job on...
Posted by FayWest Fire and News Photography on Friday, January 15, 2021

The firefighter collapsed while on the roof of the home, according to Bell. He was taken to the hospital, and updates on his condition were not immediately available.

Bell said smoke from the fire filled the neighborhood.

"The smoke was so thick in the neighborhood, there was no air moving, no wind or anything, it was tough to even identify the house," he said.

The house was vacant, and had recently been sold, Bell said. Contractors were working on the house Thursday.

The fire started in the basement and quickly spread through the building, causing significant damage to the first floor and attic, according to Bell.

Firefighters had the blaze under control within an hour, Bell said.

No other injuries were reported.

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