Published on February 07, 2026
At approximately 11:45 a.m., the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire were dispatched to the 1500 block of Ballinger Street in the Brookline neighborhood for a reported structure fire.
A relative called 911 to report that an adult male at the residence was threatening to set the house on fire. The caller stated that, while on a FaceTime call, the male poured lighter fluid throughout the home.
Upon arrival, officers located the male barricaded inside. A police negotiator made contact, and the male eventually surrendered. During the surrender, officers located two firearms on the male and observed smoke and flames coming from a doorway. Firefighters then entered the home and extinguished the fire.
The residence sustained moderate damage throughout and is considered a loss. No civilians or first responders were injured. One cat died as a result of the incident, and one dog was successfully rescued from the backyard.
The American Red Cross is assisting the remaining residents, who will be staying with relatives.
The adult male was transported to Police HQ for further questioning and is expected to face charges.