Sharpsburg structure fire

On Thursday, December 2, 2010 at approximately 3:25p.m. Allegheny County 9-1-1 received reports of smoke coming from the roof of a row house at 1100 Penn Street in the borough of Sharpsburg. The following units were dispatched on the initial assignment; Sharpsburg (Station 265), Aspinwall (Station 102), Blawnox (Station 111), Pleasant Valley (Station 217), Cherry City (Station 260), Millvale (Station 191 RIT) and Seneca EMS.

Sharpsburg police arrived on the scene within moments and reported a working fire in the end unit of the row house, with heavy smoke showing. 265 fire officer confirmed a working fire with exposures and requested an immediate 2nd alarm assignment. Fox Chapel (Station 157), Parkview (Station 218), Middle Road (Station 174), Shaler Villa (Station 262), Sharpshill (Station 263) and Mount Troy (Station 239) were dispatched to fulfill the 2nd alarm request.

Crews advanced attack lines and initiated an aggressive interior attack, as the truck companies conducted ventilation operations. Interior attack crews quickly darkened the bulk of the fire on the 1st flooor of the unit and began checking for further extension. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 4:00p.m. Initial alarm crews remained on the scene for a period of time with overhaul operations.

The Salvation Army mobile canteen unit provided snacks and hot/cold drinks to the emergency personnel. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced by the fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

***Photos of this incident were provided to me***

House damaged by flre in Sewickley

On Monday, December 6, 2010 at approximately 9:05a.m. Allegheny County 9-1-1 received a report of smoke coming from the roof of a house at the corner of Harbaugh Street and Cherry Way in the Borough of Sewickley, unknown if the house is occupied. Cochran Hose Company (Station 258) was dispatched on the initial assignment.

Sewickley police arrived on the scene within moments and reported a working fire. Upon hearing the report from the police, 258 Chief requested that Leetsdale (Station 309), Aleppo (Station 101), and Emsworth (Station 148 RIT) be added to fulfill the 2nd alarm assignment.

258 Chief arrived on the scene and assumed Harbaugh command. 258 Chief reported heavy smoke issuing from all sides of a 3-story brick residential structure at 615 Harbaugh Street. 258 Engine 1 took the hydrant at Chestnut and Harbaugh and laid into the scene on the Alpha/Bravo corner. 258 Truck hooked up to the hydrant at Harbaugh/Logan and set up for aerial operations on the Alpha side of the structure. 101 Truck set up for aerial operations on the Bravo/Charlie corner of the structure.

Crews advanced an attack line to the 3rd floor, where they encountered heavy heat and fire conditions. Interior crews initially had to retreat due to intense heat and problems with the attack line. Two firefighters ascended the ladder of 258 Truck and vented the 3rd floor windows, as 101 Truck crew vented the roof to help improve interior conditions.

Crews re-entered the structure advancing two attack lines to the upper floor, where they made an aggressive attack on the fire. Additional crews conducted primary and secondary searches, which were negative. Interior crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire and checked for further extension. Fire was found to have extended into the roof and the walls between divisions 2 and 3.

Interior crews reported a collapse of the 3rd floor on the Charlie side, all crews were accounted for. Crews continued opening the walls and the roof to expose the remaining hidden flames for extinguishment. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 10:35a.m. Crews did an excellent job containing the fire.

Robinson EMS assisted Valley EMS at the scene with their rehab unit, and a Port Authority bus was at the scene to be utilized for warming for the emergency personnel on this very cold winter day. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Additional photos of this incident can be seen by clicking the link below!

http://911photos.smugmug.com/ACTION/WESTERN-ALLEGHENY-COUNTY/SEWICKLEY-STRUCTURE-FIRE/14961378_mvjzt#1117325209_ca63p