PITTSBURGH – Chief Matt Brown of Emergency Services provided the following information regarding the overnight fire at a seven-story hi-rise on Caroline Street in Munhall Borough:
Allegheny County 911 received a call reporting a fire in the 100 block of Caroline Street at 4:53 AM. The first units arrived on scene at 4:58 AM. There they discovered a fire on the seventh and top floor of Parkview Towers, a retirement home facility, that quickly got into the roof.
Many individuals who reside at the facility have disabilities and move with the assistance of walkers and canes. A Mass Casualty Incident was called, and additional crews were used to help assist with the evacuation and movement of individuals to a local shelter. Approximately 90 individuals were evacuated from the facility and moved to a shelter where they will work with the Red Cross and others to assist with housing. The Port Authority of Allegheny County also assisted with sheltering during that transition.
The fire was declared under control at 6:55 AM. A total of seven patients were transported to local hospitals. We have no information on their conditions, types of injuries, or where they were located within the facility. Additionally, there was one fatality. Likewise, we have no information on that individual’s identity or where they were located within the facility to release at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation. There are multiple fire marshals and EMA staff on scene, where they will likely remain for several hours. We do not expect there to be any further briefing, but will provide any additional updates via press release.
