Man Jumps From Window To Escape 3-Alarm Wilkinsburg Fire
WILKINSBURG (KDKA) - Nine people, including a baby, were able to escape their burning home in Wilkinsburg Friday morning.
One man ran back inside and ended up having to jump from a window to safety.
According to officials at the scene, the fire started at a home in the 1300-block of Singer Place around 5:25 a.m.
Nine people, including an 11-month-old baby, were inside the home when the fire started. All were able to get out safely once they smelled smoke.
"My cousin banging on everybody's door saying wake up. We all got out and opened up the door. It was just smoke everywhere," Tovia Watson said. "I was trying to go down the steps and I couldn't see anything."
Watson clutched her 11-month-old daughter Ila as she rushed from the house.
"A lot of things are in her room. Her milk, everything. Clothes and all of that. My purse. But, I just had to get us out for safety," Watson said.
Initially, it was believed the fire may have started in the basement. The family ranged from a grandfather to great grandchildren. One of the men in the home went back into the house after everyone was out and had to jump out of a second floor window to escape.
"My uncle went back into the house to go grab something. That's when the house started to get [smokier]," Kaylyn Watson said. "We're sitting there screaming for his name, 'Come out, come out, come out.' But, we didn't hear anything and then it got real quiet. We're like, 'He's in there, he's in there.' Next thing you know, we hear a window break."
He did not want to go to the hospital initially, but later in the morning ended up going.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital with a minor hip injury.
The Red Cross said they were helping the family with food, lodging and clothing, including winter gear.
The Salvation Army in Wilkinsburg is collecting donations for the family.
If you'd like to help, visit their location below or call (412) 271-2407.
Braddock Salvation Army
300 Holland Avenue
Braddock, PA 15104
Stay With KDKA.com For More Details
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
