Watch CBS News

Fire Guts Heidelberg Home, Damages Neighboring Houses

HEIDELBERG (KDKA) -- A two-alarm fire gutted one house and caused damage to some neighboring homes this afternoon in Heidelberg.

The first reports of the smoky blaze came in around 2:30 p.m. in the 1900-block of Washington Avenue.

Flames could reportedly be seen shooting out of the back of the one-story, wood-frame house.

The fire was contained to the one home, but neighboring houses and a nearby pizza shop sustained some smoke damage.

Neighbors say they helped one man escape the fire.

"We live right in the house, right in front," said Rose Hills, a neighbor. "We just, we rolled down the window and we just saw flames coming out of the back window here, which is the bedroom. My husband and my brother and my cousin ran out the backdoor to make sure the gentleman behind us wasn't still in the house. And he was, so we assisted getting him out, and then before we knew it, the house was pretty much engulfed in flames."

In addition to the fire, crews also had to deal with the plunging temperatures.

"With the weather being as cold as it is - it's a rough situation for firefighters to be in," said Chief Joe Wissel, of the Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department. "We got a school bus out here from Chartiers Valley to do some warming, along with rehab from Kerwin Heights EMS; so we were pretty well prepared for this one."

No injuries were reported.

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

RELATED LINKS:
More Heidelberg News
More Local News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.