On Sunday, February 11, 2007 at approximately 6:10 a.m. Allegheny County 9-1-1 received multiple calls reporting a fire at a vacant commercial structure, located at 1529 Brownsville Road in the Carrick section of the City of Pittsburgh. The following units were dispatched on the initial zone 4-15 assignment; 23 Engine, 22 Engine, 26 Engine, 24 Truck, 4024 (District Battalion Chief), 20 Engine (Go Team), 4021 (Safety Chief), MAC-2 (Mobile Cascade Unit), Rescue 1, Medic unit and Medic supervisor.

First arriving unit reported a 40’x200’ 1 ½ story vacant brick commercial structure with fire visible on the “C” side of the structure, with heavy pressurized smoke visible from all four sides of the structure. Command reported an exposure problem on side “B”. Command requested a 2^nd alarm assignment for manpower and water supply at approximately 6:21 a.m. The following units were dispatched on the 2^nd alarm; 24 Engine, 28 Engine, 402 (Deputy Chief) and 614 (Training Academy Chief).

Command requested that the 2^nd alarm Engines locate additional hydrants on the way into the scene. The 2^nd alarm crews were requested to protect the exposure structure. As a result of single digit temperatures and below zero wind chills, crews were experiencing water problems, as a couple of the hydrants were frozen. Due to the rapid advancement of the fire and the deteriorating conditions, command ordered a defensive attack. 24 Truck was set up for aerial master stream operations on side “A” of the structure. Several 2 ½” and 1 ¾” attack lines were also placed into operation.

Command reported a partial collapse on the side “C” of the structure at approximately 6:35 a.m. Command reported that all crews were accounted for. Command requested a 3^rd alarm assignment for additional manpower and another aerial at approximately 6:40 a.m. The following units were dispatched on the 3^rd alarm; 4 Engine, 27 Engine, 4 Truck and Unit 40 (Assistant Chief). Command requested that 4 Truck set up for aerial master stream operations on the “C-D” corner of the structure. First arriving 3^rd alarm Engine was requested to pick up another hydrant coming in and lay a supply line to side “C” and supply 4 Truck.

Crews on the 3^rd alarm assignment advanced additional attack lines and assisted with defensive suppression efforts. Command requested a 4^th alarm assignment at approximately 7:00 a.m. The following units were dispatched on the 4^th alarm; 13 Engine, 30 Engine and Official 4 (Fire Chief Michael Huss). Crews continued pouring copious amounts of water into and onto the building for several hours, before they were able to darken the heavy volume of fire. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 10:25 a.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, dousing numerous hot spots.

Port Authority bus was brought to the scene to be used as rehab for the firefighters, who not only were battling the intense inferno but the frigid temperatures as well. Salvation Army personnel were on the scene with their mobile canteen units, providing warm drinks, snacks and food to the emergency personnel. City of Pittsburgh Arson Squad was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which destroyed the building and caused an estimated $50,000 in damages. The building was known to be used as storage of construction materials, which may have increased the fuel load, causing the intense flames to rapidly spread. The cause of the fire is under investigation.