Former PCC player, coach injured in fire

Four days after a house fire led to his hospitalization, not much news has been brought to light in the mysterious blaze that nearly took the life of Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach Kirby Wilson.

The former Pasadena City College standout and coach was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh on Friday morning after a fire started at his town house, located in the suburb of Seven Fields, which is about 22 miles north of Pittsburgh.

The burns to Wilson, 50, were not life threatening.

The fire is believed to have originated at 2:42 a.m., according to Jeffrey Schueler, Director of Public Safety for the Crownberry Township.

“The resident, Kirby Wilson, was severely burned during the fire. Mr. Wilson was transported to UPMC Cranberry and then flown by STAT MedEvac to Mercy Hospital for treatment,” Schueler stated in a press release Friday.
“The Fire Marshall from the Pennsylvania State Police Butler Barrack is investigating the cause of the fire.”

Schueler also noted that flames could be seen by approaching firefighters, which was confirmed by a first-call respondent.

“Upon arrival, we had heavy smoke coming from the first division of the house. No flames were visible at this time. The occupant of the house was located at the doorway,” Adams Area Fire Chief Bill Hayes told WTAE.com Pittsburgh.

Kirby’s neighbor, Jim McCaffrey, told WTAE.com that, “we started beating over on the door, and finally Kirby came down, and it wasn’t a good sight,” McCaffrey said. “There was a lot of smoke. He was in shock.”

Team officials told the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette that, “Wilson suffered burns over 30 to 50% of his body, but investigators still aren’t sure why he was so badly hurt.”

State Fire Marshal Luke Nelson said Monday morning that the fire appears accidental and more than likely began in Wilson’s kitchen.

A full investigation into the fire is ongoing and investigators will have a better picture of what happened once they’re able to speak with Wilson.

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement Friday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kirby and his entire family. We are saddened to hear about this unfortunate situation but we know that he has the best medical care in the country treating him,” Rooney wrote.
“The entire organization is praying for Kirby to have a full recovery and we will be by his side through this difficult time.”