A Swissvale apartment complex experienced a harrowing fire yesterday afternoon, where two residents were urgently taken to the hospital due to the blaze. According to WTAE, firefighters responded to the 500 block of Smokey Wood Drive at approximately 12:38 p.m., after a 911 dispatcher alerted them to the situation, with law enforcement and emergency medical teams arriving on the scene shortly afterwards.
Swissvale Fire Chief Clyde Wilhelm detailed the initial findings of an ongoing investigation, stating that the fire appeared to have been sparked by a candle falling onto a couch. The candle had been used to light a cigarette and was inadvertently knocked over by the tenant, which led to significant damage and the residents' distress.
In addition to the immediate human toll, Wilhelm confirmed that six apartments were affected by the incident, leaving several residents without a home in the immediate future. The Red Cross stepped in to assist those displaced by the unfortunate event, ensuring that the necessities for the victims’ care in the aftermath of such a disaster were provided, as WPXI reported.
