Gator's Old Flames - July 2003

Apartment Building Fire - City of Pittsburgh (1/30/1986)

On January 30, 1986, this apartment building was destroyed by a fire and natural gas explosion in the Lincoln-Lemmington section of the City of Pittsburgh.

Zone 3-12 was dispatched at 1218 hours to Shetland Avenue. 15 Engine was first on scene and reported heavy smoke and fire form the first floor. The second alarm was dispatched at 1224 hours with 8 Truck on special assignment. A third alarm was dispatched just two minutes later. The fourth alarm came just two minutes after that. The fifth alarm and an additional engine company were dispatched later.

The cause is believed to have been a natural gas leak. Both the front of the building and the wall on Sector 2 collapsed in separate events. The yellow Mack pictured on the Sector 2 side is from 16 Engine which no longer exists and had to be moved to prevent damage in the collapse. Picture #12 shows the collapse in action.

Pictures and Story by: Ed Burik