Photo by Felicia Mycyk
advertisement A Virginia Heights resident suffered a broken leg and burns to his arms early Sunday after setting his Baden apartment on fire and jumping from a second story window, authorities said.
The fire department was called around 3:45 a.m. Sunday to 801 Sixth St., E Building. That's where a resident, who is not being identified pending charges, barricaded the door to his apartment, dropped about 12 to 14 feet out the window and left the scene before authorities arrived.
Baden Fire Lieutenant Dave Trzianka said firefighters were able to get into the apartment to fight the flames.
“Our guys had to force the door open,” Trzianka said.
The fire was confined to one apartment, but caused thousands of dollars in damage. Firefighters had to put holes in the walls and ceiling of a neighboring apartment to prevent flames from spreading. The first and second floors suffered minor water damage and the third and second floors had smoke damage.
The State Police Fire Marshal has ruled arson, though officials have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire due to the extent of damage.
The apartment building has a total of 19 units and 10 were occupied.
Trzianka said the 24 people who have been displaced are receiving help from family members and the American Red Cross. Some tenants were given housing in other buildings.
The resident was taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation.
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The fire department was called around 3:45 a.m. Sunday to 801 Sixth St., E Building. That's where a resident, who is not being identified pending charges, barricaded the door to his apartment, dropped about 12 to 14 feet out the window and left the scene before authorities arrived.
Baden Fire Lieutenant Dave Trzianka said firefighters were able to get into the apartment to fight the flames.
“Our guys had to force the door open,” Trzianka said.
The fire was confined to one apartment, but caused thousands of dollars in damage. Firefighters had to put holes in the walls and ceiling of a neighboring apartment to prevent flames from spreading. The first and second floors suffered minor water damage and the third and second floors had smoke damage.
The State Police Fire Marshal has ruled arson, though officials have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire due to the extent of damage.
The apartment building has a total of 19 units and 10 were occupied.
Trzianka said the 24 people who have been displaced are receiving help from family members and the American Red Cross. Some tenants were given housing in other buildings.
The resident was taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation.
Like Ambridge Connection on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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