Arrest Made In Etna Fire That Injured Firefighter

(WPXI) – One man has been charged with arson for a fire that damaged two buildings and sent a firefighter to the hospital. The fire broke out around noon on Tuesday at 86 Vilsack Street in Etna. Everyone who lived in the three-story duplex made it out safely. When he was interviewed, police said a resident, Elmer Lewis, 74, admitted to pouring gasoline throughout the duplex and in the garage, and lighting an area in a second-floor bedroom. About 20 fire companies in the North Hills showed up to help extinguish the flames. A resident was treated for minor injuries and a firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. Officials say a garage door that was blown off the building almost hit a police officer and two firefighters before striking a fire truck. Lewis is charged with several counts of aggravated arson, arson, causing or risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief. He is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.