4 firefighters hurt battling blaze in Pittsburgh's South Side

Four firefighters were injured Sunday while battling a blaze on Mt. Oliver Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, according to public safety officials.

Crews responded to a call about 8 p.m., where they rushed to extinguish flames in a third-floor apartment.

Firefighters found heavy flames in the back of one of the structures and evacuated the building.

The cause is under investigation.

The fire quickly grew to four alarms and caused two separate collapses in the rear of the building, Public Safety Spokeswoman Cara Cruz said.

At one point, a mayday had to be called until all of the crew members were accounted for, she said.

One firefighter suffered a minor burn injury and one had a laceration. Two more suffered shoulder injuries.

They were taken by EMS to a hospital for treatment.

Residents all were able to get out safely and will be helped by the Red Cross to find temporary accommodations while the building’s integrity is assessed.

Cruz said the fire was mostly contained to the center of the building but two adjoining buildings had water and smoke damage.

Crews were able to douse the fire by 10:22 p.m.

There is currently a multiple alarm structure fire in the area of Mt Oliver and Rugraff Streets. Please avoid the area as this is an active fire scene. pic.twitter.com/Wh33TBfuCE

— Pittsburgh Fire Fighters (@PghFireFighters) October 5, 2020