Local

Sisters escape before fire destroys Hill District home

PITTSBURGH — Two sisters were able to safely escape their Hill District home Tuesday morning before it was destroyed by flames.

The fire was first reported at a home on Webster Avenue about 9:15 a.m. when the two women in their 60s woke up to the smell of smoke and sound of fire alarms.

The women, whose names haven’t been released, immediately ran out of the house and called 911.

Firefighters said the blaze started in the roof area of the home and spread throughout. Initial reports suggest that the cause of the fire was electrical.

“It’s really overwhelming to see that it’s a complete loss,” Kim Duban, the victims’ sister said.

Channel 11’s Timyka Artist talked to a neighbor, Shawn Summers, who ran outside to help the victims when she noticed the fire.

“I ran outside after I saw that the house was on fire. Me and another neighbor saw the two ladies outside so we ran over to help them,” Summers said.

The two women said they’ve lived in the house since they were kids.