Firefighter collapses while battling blaze in Greensburg

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.

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.