PITTSBURGH — A fire at a home in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood early Wednesday was intentionally set, Public Safety officials said.
The fire happened in the 700 block of Excelsior Street around 12 a.m. First responders said when they first arrived, flames and smoke were coming out of the home.
The fire was under control in just under 45 minutes, officials said.
“I heard screaming and looked out the window and there was just smoke everywhere,” said Isabelle Wurm. “Why? A house full of kids.”
A mother and her five children were all able to escape the flames after Wurm woke them up. Police said someone was seen setting fire to the front and back of the home.
“That’s heartbreaking. All the kids are young. They really are. It’s hard to believe someone would do that,” Wurm said.
Neighbors said it’s hard to believe everyone was able to get out safely. One side of the home is blackened and melted, the windows are busted out and wood and siding hung off the home. Neighbors said the family lost everything.
“Right after the holidays, too. They lost all their new toys and clothes and all the stuff they had originally. Just to have nothing as a kid is heartbreaking for them,” Wurm said.
The Fire Investigations Unit determined the fire was incendiary and an investigation is underway.
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