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Nearby window saved firefighters in Wilkinsburg blaze

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WILKINSBURG (AP) – Fire officials say seven Western Pennsylvania firefighters would have died at a house fire had they not been near a window.

Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones says he stood next to Lt. James O’Toole Friday night at the Wilkinsburg home, about 6 miles east of the city. O’Toole was among five firefighters forced to jump from second-story windows to escape the burning home after rescuing an 86-year-old woman.

O’Toole said Sunday they are lucky to be alive.

Two firefighters were injured trying to break their falls. All have been released.

The fire is under investigation.

Jones says the department will investigate what led to the firefighters jumping.

Nannie Felder, who was rescued, is in stable condition. Firefighters were able to get her out through a window and onto a ladder.

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