Woman Rescued From Burning House In New Castle

NEW CASTLE (KDKA)- Firefighters were able to bust their way into a home in New Castle and pull a woman to safety.

The fire started shortly after noon on Wednesday at a home on East Winter Avenue.

"We thought we heard someone banging on a plate-glass window," said neighbor Preston Sipe. "The firemen put up the ladder, tried to get the window open and had to break the glass out of the top window to get her out."

Sylvia Petro, 42, called 911 herself to report the fire. She said she was trapped on the second floor and the phone disconnected.

New Castle firefighter Shawn Johnson put up a ladder to the second floor, while firefighters Justin Data and Marco Bulisco  entered the first floor and began putting out the fire.

"With heavy smoke inside the house, it was difficult to see," Data said. "Firefighter Shawn Johnson was at the window and located the woman. Myself and another firefighter had gone up the stairs to help. I was on one end and he was on the other end and we carried her down the steps."

Sylvia was rushed to Jameson Hospital and later flown to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where she is in critical condition.

"It makes you feel good, feel proud to work with guys we work with, they're all great," said Data.

"When you have the ability to affect someone's life, their property, and even have an opportunity to save a life, it means a lot to me. It's what we do, it's why we are here," firefighter Marco Bulisco said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Three dogs inside the home got out safely, but one of them ran away.  The family is asking anyone who's seen her to call police.

Firefighters also said at least four cats were inside. They had to give two of the cats oxygen at the scene.

Fortunately, all the animals survived the fire.

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