Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire held a promotions ceremony in Council Chambers as five members of the bureau advanced to the next stage in their careers.

Firefighters Cash Cortazzo and William Russell were promoted to lieutenant.

Lieutenants Stephen Williams and Joshua Colbert became captains.

Captain Kenneth Walz was promoted to the rank of battalion chief.

Assistant Chief of Fire Mat Davis opened the ceremony, followed by Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams, and finally Mayor Corey O’Connor who administered the Oath of Office.

Congratulations promotees!

At approximately 7:00 a.m., the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire was dispatched to the 3300 block of Webster Avenue in the Upper Hill neighborhood for a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered active flames coming from the third floor of the residence originating in a bedroom. The fire spread to the third floor of the residence next door. A second alarm was called at approximately 7:15. All residents were able to safely evacuate prior to the crew's arrival. The fire was under control by approximately 7:30 a.m.

One firefighter sustained a minor knee injury. Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS transported them to a local hospital in stable condition.

Three families have been displaced as a result of this incident. The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania was on scene to assist.

The Fire Investigation Unit is working to determine the cause of the fire.

Pittsburgh Fire Career Showcase – Meet the firefighters who serve our city every day!

Join us at the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Career Showcase!
Come explore what it means to serve your community as a Pittsburgh Firefighter.

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Police & Fire Training Academy, 1395 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206

Experience an afternoon of interactive, behind the scenes activities, including:
🔥 Station Life Demonstrations
🔥 Medical Station: blood pressure checks + hands only CPR
🔥 Live Demonstrations from our firefighters
🔥 Specialty Units on display
🔥 Apparatus Showcase featuring engines, trucks, and rescue equipment
🔥 Food trucks, community resources, and more!

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Whether you're exploring a new career or simply want to learn more about the Bureau of Fire, this event is for you.

Don’t miss it—your future in fire service starts here.

Join us and take your first step toward becoming a Pittsburgh Firefighter.
Visit Joinpghfire.com and subscribe for alerts about job openings.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS responded to the 100 block of Greenfield Avenue for a report of a person shocked by an electrical current.

Preliminary information indicates that two adult males were working on the gutters of the home when the gutters came into contact with the home's main power line, ultimately causing a fire inside the residence. One juvenile female was inside the residence at the time of the fire and was safely escorted outside.

The Duquesne Light Company responded by shutting off power to the home so crews could resume rescue operations. Firefighters and rescue paramedics were able to bring the male victim down from the roof safely. The fire was put out by approximately 4:45 p.m.

Pittsburgh EMS transported the victim to a local hospital in critical but stable condition with burns to the left side of his body.

The Fire Investigation unit was on scene to determine the cause of the incident. The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections also responded to the scene.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire had fun in the sun today at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania event at Acrisure Stadium.

The team worked their way through an outdoor obstacle course, focusing on teamwork and communication to get to the finish.

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make today such a success!

To learn more about Special Olympics PA visit: https://specialolympicspa.org/