Flames engulfed a residential duplex on North Avenue in North Braddock yesterday afternoon, drawing multiple fire units to the scene. According to WTAE, the fire was reported just before 3 p.m. and escalated to a 2-alarm blaze. Thick smoke was visible, emanating from the building as firefighters worked on the roof to contain the fire.
Neighbors were roused by the disturbance, recounting a loud boom that shook their homes at the time of the fire’s inception. Firefighters, at one point, were ordered to evacuate the building where the fire began, signaling the seriousness of the situation. The duplex was home to an elderly woman, known in the community for her work as a school crossing guard. She was able to exit the building safely.
“Beautiful lady. Every time I drive past, I speak to her, you know what I mean? Yeah, I just hate that that happened to her. Now she’s without a home. She’s been living in there for years,” Dashawn Craig, who is a neighbor, told WPXI. In response to the crisis, organizations like The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are stepping in to assist those affected.
No one was hurt, but the damage to the buildings was severe. According to the North Braddock fire chief. By 5 p.m., firefighters had mostly contained the blaze and were putting out hot spots.
