Firefighter recounts 'mayday' call, response to downtown fire

PITTSBURGH — Midtown Towers remains closed to residents. Only Channel 11 talked to one of the firefighters who put it all on the line Monday morning, working to keep those people safe in a time of serious danger.

"We realized while going into it, this is the real deal,” said Lt. Gary Miller with Pittsburgh Fire's Engine 3 in the Strip District. “Everybody needs to bring their A game and step it up."

Miller was one of the first to arrive at Midtown Towers.

"Us being the first in unit, we had to do a quick size-up,” Miller said. “We had smoke showing about halfway up the building."

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And without hesitation, they ran to rescue the dozens inside.

"It was more of an all-hands-on effort to contain the situation.  Few close calls there."

The crew entered onto the 6th floor and did a quick search, pinpointing the apartment that was on fire.

They tried to knock it down, but the flames moved too fast, and more firefighters were called.

Miller said, "Seven alarms where every man there had a purpose and everyone stepped up their game."

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At one point, some of those firefighters became trapped, but they were able to escape.

Mary Robinson, 75, died in the fire. Investigators believe it may have started in her apartment.

Right now, some residents are being bounced around from hotel to hotel as the search continues for permanent shelter.

Miller told 11 at 11 the situation was challenging, but he is looking at the bigger picture.

"Just happy everyone's safe. Hopefully they can get back to their homes very soon."

Investigators are still working to determine a cause.

Cox Media Group