Just after 10:30 p.m. on December 11, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS responded to the Roosevelt building on the 600 block of Penn Avenue for a 5-alarm fire. Police from all zones also responded to assist. 

The fire was believed to have started in an apartment the 12th floor, and remained contained to that floor. 

One person was pronounced deceased at the scene. Paramedics transported a second person in critical condition. 

A medic was also taken to a local hospital for treatment after smoke inhalation. A firefighter was also treated on-scene for minor injuries. 

Out of precaution, gas was shut off to the building as crews worked. The fire was declared under control at approximately 12:13 a.m.

There were 106 people occupying the building at the time of the fire, and they sheltered in place or sought shelter in area buildings for warmth. 

The Red Cross deployed a Disaster Action Team to assist those who were displaced. 

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Detectives from the Fire Investigation Unit were on-scene and the investigation is ongoing.