Michael J. DeGeorge, a spokesman for Mayor Byron W. Brown, said the city began the work Monday because forecasts for the week ahead call for fluctuating temperatures that could cause flooding.

Crews said the thickness of the ice on the river ranged from 6 to 10 inches.

Pittsburgh's recent streak of frigid temperatures has caused the rivers to freeze, raising questions about whether the boat could be damaged before it is ever placed into service. "We do check the boat out periodically. It's been checked about three to four times this week," Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "One of my assistant chiefs goes down there, starts the boat, knocks some of the ice off it as best he can, makes sure all the systems are working on it.

The land for the new fire station was bought from Re:New Church and is part of the site formerly used for the Bancroft manufacturing plant.

Cypert said that during planning for the fire station, the project grew from to include a covered outdoor event facility, restroom and lighted walking trail.

The truck was stolen while the fire crew was conducting inspections, according to authorities. The suspect drove the truck to Hampton and down an embankment abutting the Mississippi River at 5th Street and 1st Avenue. 

The truck did not go into the river, but had to be towed from the scene. The suspect, however, did get into the river, apparently in an attempt to escape police. He was arrested with the help of rescue boats from area fire departments.