Smoke detector triggers false fire alarm in office building, Pittsburgh PA

Fire & Arson

Reported: 09/11/2025 07:11 PM (PDT)

Near Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Fire crews responded to a commercial fire alarm on the 9th floor of an office building near Ardmore Boulevard and Forest Hills. The alarm was triggered by a smoke detector. An employee was cleaning the area with a leaf blower, which caused the alarm to go off. There was no actual fire.

Audio|Source: Allegheny County Fire - East

04:18

Transcript:

00:00

For a commercial smoke detector on the 9th floor office.

00:15

TSC Bank,

00:16

near Ardmore Boulevard and Forest Hills, Station 153, 207 for the engine, 303 for the truck, east far up for 2212.

00:26

Connie, 303 truck and off.

00:28

3-0-3 truck, 22-50.

00:30

Commercial fire alarm activation, smoke detector on the 9th floor office.

00:34

The PNC Bank, near Ardmore Boulevard and Forest Hills.

00:38

Second activation for 153-2-704 at 2217.

00:42

163 rescue for 20.

00:43

If you have multiple floors, individual alarm, gentlemen.

00:48

Yeah, you're left for your rescue, we're out.

00:50

We're letting the story out.

00:51

Uh, enough now they do the visual one going off.

00:53

It's just like a little tight to do it.

00:54

We'll be in back to the 183 at this and have the Hallmore Boulevard command.

00:58

We're in two trucks.

00:59

We're coming up behind you where you want us.

01:00

Three hundred three four slower drive-winds.

01:04

Two percent rescues in underband.

01:06

First, Steve, 2219.

01:07

Fifty-three captains in 20.

01:08

20. You're at 2820.

01:10

All right, there was a employee on scene.

01:13

He was cleaning the floors with a leaf lower side of the, the decker cell.

01:17

The county footbridge for truck on scene.

01:18

Refuse, 2220.

01:19

Arboricvenile, Ground, Tucson Rescue, approach you for more.

01:21

207, just stand by the hydrant for the moment.

01:25

We believe we have a false handboard trying to get access to check.

01:32

Copy. 153 assistance and 33 Chief, what do you need?

01:34

Just stand by for a minute.

01:36

This guy said he was doing some stuff and he said it off.

01:39

He's going to get it to access.

01:40

Copy that.

Disclaimer:
This was transcribed by AI and may contain errors. Please verify the information independently.

Location mentioned:

Near Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Correct

Incorrect

Recent Fire & Arson Incidents in Pittsburgh, PA

Domestic dispute with alcohol incident on Lincoln Avenue

Family Offense

09/10/2025 01:12 PM (PDT)

Near Lincoln Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Police responded to a domestic dispute near Lincoln Avenue where an intoxicated female reported a verbal argument with her adult daughter involving beer being poured on her.

Fire alarm sounds at building near Ave B in Leightstville

Fire & Arson

09/09/2025 07:55 AM (PDT)

Near Ave B, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

A fire alarm is sounding at a building near Avenue B in Leightstville. There is no confirmation of a fire at this time.

Fire alarm with sprinkler activation at building on Avenue B

Fire & Arson

09/09/2025 07:51 AM (PDT)

Near Ave B, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

A fire alarm triggered sprinkler activation in a building near Avenue B and Ferry Street. No fire or hazards were confirmed.

Fire Department Assists Welfare Check at Residence

Other Non-Crime Event

09/06/2025 07:59 AM (PDT)

Near Sumner Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Fire department was called to assist with access for a welfare check at a residence near Sumner Avenue in Forest Hills.

Two-vehicle crash near Forms Ave and East End Ave

Traffic

09/11/2025 04:53 AM (PDT)

Avenue E, Forest Hills, PA 15221

A two-vehicle crash occurred near the intersection of Forms Avenue and East End Avenue. One person reported chest and stomach pain. Fire and EMS responded. Vehicles involved were a white Hyundai Sonata and a white Kia.

Smoke detector triggers false fire alarm in office building, Pittsburgh PA

Fire crews responded to a commercial fire alarm on the 9th floor of an office building near Ardmore Boulevard and Forest Hills. The alarm was triggered by a smoke detector. An employee was cleaning the area with a leaf blower, which caused the alarm to go off. There was no actual fire.

Explore More on Pittsburgh, PA Crime Map

Recent Fire & Arson Incidents in Pittsburgh, PA

Domestic dispute with alcohol incident on Lincoln Avenue

Fire alarm sounds at building near Ave B in Leightstville

Fire alarm with sprinkler activation at building on Avenue B

Fire Department Assists Welfare Check at Residence

Two-vehicle crash near Forms Ave and East End Ave

Domestic dispute with alcohol incident on Lincoln Avenue

Fire alarm sounds at building near Ave B in Leightstville

Fire alarm with sprinkler activation at building on Avenue B

Fire Department Assists Welfare Check at Residence

Two-vehicle crash near Forms Ave and East End Ave