2 firefighters injured in 5-alarm West Oakland apartment fire

Two Pittsburgh firefighters were injured while fighting a five-alarm blaze Saturday afternoon in an apartment complex in the city’s West Oakland neighborhood, according to the city Department of Public Safety.

The fire on De Ruad Street started just after 2 p.m. as a two-alarm blaze, but it went to a five-alarm within an hour, according to Allegheny County 911.

Pittsburgh firefighters declared the blaze under control as of 5:35 p.m.

However, as of 6 p.m., Fifth Avenue remained closed between Birmingham Bridge and Jumonville Street. Officials were at the scene to inspect the integrity of the building.

A Public Safety spokeswoman said the firefighters were in stable condition when taken to a hospital. One was being treated for smoke inhalation. The other had unknown injuries.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones described the situation as “a very stubborn fire in a very large and old building.”

Officials said there were 48 apartments in the building, with 74 residents. All of them were safely accounted for; it’s unclear if any required medical treatment or hospitalization.

The Red Cross and the Salvation Army both provided assistance to residents on scene.

Also, Red Cross will be helping to direct residents toward temporary shelter and providing help with food and belongings such as clothing and blankets. Port Authority also provided a bus for transportation.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Pittsburgh fire and police.

.#breaking 5 alarm fire happening along 5th Ave. @amy_hudak will have the latest for you on @WPXI at 5:30 on PCNC and 6 on channel 11. #wpxi pic.twitter.com/OlAqbhTqhu

— Jamie Cashdollar (@Cashmoney2292) August 17, 2019

WPXI-TV said people from 74 apartments were impacted.

Thick smoke-filled air. We will be getting an update shortly from PIO. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/10KERgN9Yg

— Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) August 17, 2019