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Woman jumps 20 feet to safety from roof of burning Pittsburgh home

PITTSBURGH — A fire that broke out at a second-story home on Werder Street in Pittsburgh sent one person to the hospital Tuesday morning. Police, fire and EMS crews arrived at the scene shortly after it was called in at 10:42 a.m.

>>PHOTOS: Fire guts second floor of Pittsburgh home

“So I’m in the house. I’m sleeping, and I hear her, the lady screaming outside!,” said neighbor David Hughes.

Those screams were coming from the second floor of a burning home where a Pittsburgh mother was trapped as flames moved in around her.

Without even seconding-guessing himself, Hughes and his grandfather jumped into action.

They used their own home ladder, trying to prop it against the Herrod Street home, but it wasn’t enough to get her down.

“Me and my pap tried to get her the ladder, the ladder was too short,” said Hughes.

The woman who neighbors say appeared to have caught on fire ultimately jumped 20 feet from a second-floor landing, injuring her legs.

Her two young children managed to get to safety on their own.

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“She was just screaming. Her son and daughter was outside. One lady came down the street and helped us get the kids,” said Hughes.

Pittsburgh firefighters and police moved in and worked to get the house fire under control.

At one point, the fire briefly reignited.

The fire and smoke damage is believed to be extensive.

Neighbors are now sending a message of hope and healing, letting the family know they will always be there for support.

“We just said we got to hurry up and get it done and help them,” said Hughes.

Fire officials are still working to determine how the fire started.

As soon as there is an update, we will bring it to you.

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