Upon receiving the update from the police, 127 Chief requested an immediate 2nd alarm assignment. The following were notified to fulfill the 2nd alarm request; Groveton (Station 244) and Neville (Station 205). 127 Chief arrived on the scene and assumed Kendall Street command. Command reported heavy smoke and fire issuing from the Delta side (Watt Street) of a large concrete block and steel garage structure approximately two blocks long, which houses approximately 40 school vans, as well as a pallet refurbishing business.
At approximately 5:10a.m. Command requested additional manpower and aerial apparatus from Moon Township (Station 197). 127 Engine laid a supply line from the hydrant at Kendall and 2nd to the Alpha side of the structure. 127 Truck also set up for aerial master stream operations on the Alpha side. Crews initially attempted an aggressive interior attack, however conditions rapidly deteriorated and there was a roof and structural collapse on the Delta side. Crews quickly evacuated the structure. PAR check was done and all were accounted for. 197 Snorkel and 197 Ladder tower took a position on Watt Street, on the Delta side of the structure and set up for aerial master stream operations.
Command reported that this would be a defensive operation due to the structural collapse and the heavy volume of fire. Crews were experiencing low water pressure with the initial hydrants that were taken. Additional engines took hydrants above the railroad tracks , on 4th and 5th Avenues and laid supply lines to the scene. The additional upper hydrants had adequate water pressure for all of the master stream operations.
At approximately 5:25a.m. Command requested additional manpower and aerial apparatus from Forest Grove (Station 243), Cochran Hose (Station 258) and Moon Run (Station 245). Upon arriving on the scene, 258 Truck set up on the Charlie Side and 243 Ladder tower set up on the Alpha side for aerial master stream operations. Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down in approximately two hours. During the height of the fire, upwards of five aerial master streams, several large attack lines, and deck guns were operating. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time extinguishing multiple hot spots, utilizing foam in addition to water.
Several school vans that were inside the garage were damaged or destroyed by the intense flames, heat, smoke and water. Several other vehicles outside and in close proximity to the involved structure, were destroyed or damaged by the radiant heat. Schools in the Cornell and Moon School districts had to be cancelled for the day, as the school buses were unable to get out of the lot due to the fire apparatus and the large diameter hoses.
Robinson EMS assisted Valley EMS at the scene with their rehab unit. Salvation Army mobile canteen unit was at the scene providing snacks and hot/cold drinks to the emergency personnel. Several school buses in the lot were utilized as rehab, to get the emergency personnel warmed up and out of the blistery cold elements. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal and investigators from the ATF were called to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
***Top 3 photos of the fire are courtesy of Dave Kerr 205 Safety Officer***
***Additional photos can be seen at the below link***
http://911photos.smugmug.com/ACTION/WESTERN-ALLEGHENY-COUNTY/CORAOPOLIS-BUS-GARAGE-FIRE/14983496_bMPJf#1119218433_GUgYT
