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WESTERN ALLEGHENY COUNTY INCIDENTS Galleries

CARNEGIE STRUCTURE FIRE 3RD STREET 06/13/2008 ***THE LAST 34 PICTURES IN GALLERY ARE COURTESY OF MELANIE HAMMOND*** :

CARNEGIE STRUCTURE FIRE 3RD STREET 06/13/2008 ***THE LAST 34 PICTURES IN GALLERY ARE COURTESY OF MELANIE HAMMOND***

Updated: Jun 17, 2008 12:19pm PST

CRAFTON STRUCTURE FIRE 10 EMERSON AVENUE 04/29/2008 :

CRAFTON STRUCTURE FIRE 10 EMERSON AVENUE 04/29/2008

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 6:59am PST

CORAOPOLIS STRUCTURE FIRE 1722 STATE AVENUE 04/05/2008 :

CORAOPOLIS STRUCTURE FIRE 1722 STATE AVENUE 04/05/2008

Updated: Apr 06, 2008 8:53am PST

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE 314 HAMILTON AVENUE 02/05/2008 ***ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL KOENEMUND ADDED ON 02/06/08*** :

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE 314 HAMILTON AVENUE 02/05/2008 ***ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL KOENEMUND ADDED ON 02/06/08***

Updated: Feb 06, 2008 2:31pm PST

STOWE TOWNSHIP STRUCTURE FIRE 927 RUSSELLWOOD AVENUE 01/05/2008 : On Saturday, January 05, 2008 at approximately 5:20 a.m. Allegheny 9-1-1 received a report of a kitchen fire at 927 ½ Russellwood Avenue in Stowe Township. The following units were dispatched on the initial assignment; West Park (Station 276), Fleming Park (Station 275), Ben Avon (Station 109), Northwest EMS (Station 191) and Stowe Township police. Stowe Township officer Gruber arrived on the scene within minutes, and reported heavy smoke showing from a row house. Officer Gruber verified that all occupants had safely evacuated. Chief 276 arrived on the scene approximately the same time as officer Gruber and confirmed a “working fire”. Chief 276 requested that 276 Truck take a hydrant at Knox and Russellwood and lay out to side “A” of the structure and requested that 276 Engine take a hydrant and lay to side “C” of the structure. Stowe Township Fire Chief Gallagher arrived on the scene and reported heavy fire in two units, of a six unit, two-story brick row house. An immediate 2nd and 3rd alarm was requested, as well as a special call for an additional truck. The following units were dispatched to fulfill the alarm assignments and special call; Emsworth (Station 148), Presston (Station 277) and McKees Rocks (189 Truck). Crews advanced attack lines into the original fire building, where they encountered very heavy smoke and fire conditions. Crews initiated an aggressive attack on the fire. Additional crews worked on venting the roof and working on protecting the exposure units. Additional attack crews assisted interior crews with suppression efforts. Crew from 109 Engine and 109 Rescue, who were initially assigned to R.I.T. operations were moved to assist with suppression and the crew from 148, were assigned to R.I.T. The fire rapidly spread via structural members within the balloon construction. Interior crews continued to aggressively attack the fire, as support crews opened the walls and pulled the ceilings to expose any hidden fire, in efforts of containing the fire and preventing it from spreading into the remaining units of the row house. Crews had the main body of fire knocked down within an hour and continued checking for extension. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 7:15 a.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, performing extensive overhaul operations and dousing hot spots. The Salvation Army Personnel were on scene with their mobile canteen unit, providing hot and cold drinks and food to the emergency personnel. Salvation Army also had their bus on the scene, which was used as rehab for the fire victims and the emergency personnel. Representatives from Lynn’s café, a local eatery, were at the scene providing breakfast sandwiches to the emergency personnel. The American Red Cross personnel were on the scene assisting the several families who were displaced by the fire, by providing them with food, clothing and temporary housing. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which heavily damaged the row house. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

STOWE TOWNSHIP STRUCTURE FIRE 927 RUSSELLWOOD AVENUE 01/05/2008

On Saturday, January 05, 2008 at approximately 5:20 a.m. Allegheny 9-1 ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2008 5:13am PST

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE 319 HAMILTON STREET 12/27/2007 :

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE 319 HAMILTON STREET 12/27/2007

Updated: Dec 28, 2007 3:23pm PST

OAKDALE LIVE BURN STRUCTURAL CLASS 6121 NOBLESTOWN ROAD 11/17/2007 :

OAKDALE LIVE BURN STRUCTURAL CLASS 6121 NOBLESTOWN ROAD 11/17/2007

Updated: Nov 23, 2007 7:44pm PST

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE ISLAND & BRADLEY 11/03/2007 **PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL KOENEMUND AND BRIAN CRAIG** :

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE ISLAND & BRADLEY 11/03/2007 **PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL KOENEMUND AND BRIAN CRAIG**

Updated: Nov 08, 2007 9:38pm PST

CORAOPOLIS STRUCTURE FIRE FERREE AT OAK ALLEY 09/29/2007 ****THESE PHOTOS ARE UNEDITED**** :

CORAOPOLIS STRUCTURE FIRE FERREE AT OAK ALLEY 09/29/2007 ****THESE PHOTOS ARE UNEDITED****

Updated: Sep 30, 2007 5:51pm PST

NORTH FAYETTE STRUCTURE FIRE 2321 ELM STREET 06/11/2007 : North Fayette, PA - On Monday, June 11, 2007 at approximately 7:23 pm Allegheny County 9-1-1 received several reports of an attached garage on fire, at 2321 Elm Drive in the Hawthorne Estates of North Fayette. The following units were dispatched on the initial assignment; North Fayette (Station 209), Imperial (Station 152), Northwest EMS (Station 195) and North Fayette police. North Fayette police arrived on the scene within minutes, and reported a working fire, with a vehicle also involved. 209 Chief arrived on the scene shortly after the police officers and confirmed heavy smoke and fire issuing from the garage area on side "A", of the center unit of six 3-story woodframe townhouses. Crews advanced attack lines and initiated an aggressive attack on the heavy volume of fire. Command requested a 2nd alarm assignment for additional manpower at approximately 7:40 p.m. The following units were dispatched on the 2nd alarm; Oakdale (Station 215), Sturgeon (Station 267) and McDonald R.I.T. (Station 310). Due to the the rapid spread of the from the garage into the 1st and upper floors, with rapidly deteriorating conditions, command ordered all interior crews out of the structure. Crews retreated and set up for a defensive attack. Several crews used attack lines, as well as aerial master streams, to darken the main body of fire. Additional crews worked on protecting the exposures. Crews also were experiencing an active gas line fire within the structure and were having difficulty getting the gas shut off. Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down in a little over an hour. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, performing extensive overhaul operations and dousing hot spots. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which destroyed the townhouse of origin and caused damage to exposure units. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

NORTH FAYETTE STRUCTURE FIRE 2321 ELM STREET 06/11/2007

North Fayette, PA - On Monday, June 11, 2007 at approximately 7:23 pm ...

Updated: Jun 12, 2007 6:05am PST

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE 821 GRAY AVENUE 05/08/2007 : McKees Rocks, PA – On Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at approximately 6:18 p.m. Allegheny 9-1-1 received reports of a shed on fire in the rear of 821 Gray Avenue, which is reportedly close to the structure. The following units were dispatched on the initial assignment; McKees Rocks (Station 189), Northwest EMS (Station 191) and McKees Rocks police. Multiple calls began to flood the 9-1-1 center reporting that the structure was also involved. EMS and police officers arrived on the scene within a couple of minutes and reported heavy black smoke showing from 821 and 823 Gray Avenue. Upon hearing the update, 189 Chief requested that Stowe Township companies be dispatched for mutual aid. Fleming Park (Station 275 R.I.T.), West Park (Station 276) and Presston (Station 277) were dispatched on the 2nd alarm assignment. Chief 189 arrived on the scene and reported several 2 ½ story wood frame units heavily involved, with multiple exposure problems. Chief 189 advised it would be an initial defensive attack only. 189 Engine 1 laid a supply line from the hydrant and immediately set up for deck gun operations on side “A”. Crews stretched attack lines to protect the exposures, from the fast moving flames and the radiant heat. 276 Engine laid a supply line from the opposite end of Gray Avenue to the front of the involved structures and set up deck gun operations. Engine 277 proceeded to side “C” of the involved structures and initiated a defensive attack. 189 Truck was set up for aerial master stream operations in front of the structures. Additional crews advanced additional attack lines and assisted with fire suppression efforts, as well as exposure protection. Command requested that Kennedy Township (Station 181) be dispatched for additional manpower at approximately 6:35 p.m. Command requested Ben Avon (Station 109) and Emsworth (Station 148) for additional R.I.T. support at approximately 6:44 p.m. Crews had the bulk of the heavy fire knocked down within 45 minutes. With the bulk of the heavy fire darkened, crews were able to advance lines into the exposures and darken the remaining fire. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 7:50 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, performing extensive overhaul operations and dousing hot spots. Salvation Army personnel were on scene with their mobile canteen unit, providing food and hot and cold drinks to the emergency personnel. American Red Cross personnel were on the scene assisting the dozen or so displaced occupants, by providing them with food, clothing and temporary housing. Northwest EMS transported one female to Allegheny General Hospital, where she was treated for breathing related problems. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which rapidly spread through several units of the Meyers Ridge public housing complex, completely destroying at least two townhouse units and damaging as many as seven others. The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to common walls and roof of the units and the lack of fire stops. The radiant heat was so intense that it melted the siding on townhouses across the street from the involved structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Despite what the residents of the Meyers Ridge complex think or say, there was no delay in the dispatch of the call and no delay in the fire department’s response time. As Fire Chief Radoycis stated, “It takes time to get the trucks to the scene and to get set up to put water on the fire”. With what they faced when they arrived on the scene, the firefighters did a very good job at preventing the fire from spreading even further through the complex, thus minimizing further damage. Kudos to all of the firefighters involved for a job well done.

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE 821 GRAY AVENUE 05/08/2007

McKees Rocks, PA – On Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at approximately 6:18 p.m ...

Updated: May 10, 2007 5:39am PST

SCOTT TOWNSHIP(GLENDALE DISTRICT) STRUCTURE FIRE KING'S GRANT CONDOMINIUMS 1000 CHATHAM PARK DRIVE 01/29/2007 : SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA – On Monday, January 29, 2007 at approximately 3:45 p.m. Allegheny County 9-1-1 received reports of a structure fire at the King’s Grant Condominiums, located at 1000 Chatham Park Drive in Scott Township. Glendale (Station 257), East Carnegie (Station 256), Bower Hill (Station 255), Dormont R.I.T. (Station 130) and Scott Township EMS were dispatched on the initial assignment. First arriving units reported heavy smoke showing from a two-story brick garden style condominium. Within minutes heavy fire was showing from a 2nd floor unit. Crews advanced 1 ¾” attack lines into the structure, where they encountered heavy smoke and heat conditions. Additional crews initiated a primary search of the units in the involved complex. Initial attack crews advanced their way to the 2nd floor, where they encountered heavy fire conditions. Command requested additional alarms for manpower and water supply. The following companies were dispatched on the additional alarm assignments; Carnegie (Station 118), Bridgeville (Station 117), Kirwin Heights (Station 124), Presto (Station 125), Bethel Park (Station 110) and Mount Lebanon (Station 198). Interior crews initiated an aggressive interior attack as Truck 257 and Truck 256 were set up in sector 1 for ventilation operations. The fire rapidly extended into the crawl space and quickly ran the common roof. With conditions rapidly deteriorating, all crews were ordered to evacuate the structure and a full scale defensive attack was initiated. Two aerial master streams as well as several 2 ½” and 1 ¾” attack lines were placed in operation in efforts to darken the heavy volume of fire and to prevent it from spreading to the next building in the complex. Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down within 45 minutes after the defensive attack began. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 5:30 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, performing extensive overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots. Port Authority buses were brought to the scene to be used as rehab for emergency personnel, as temperatures were in the 20’s and dropping. Residents, who were home at the time, were taken to the recreation hall located in another part of the complex, which allowed them to get out of the cold weather and to meet with personnel from the American Red Cross, who assisted them with food, clothing and temporary shelter. Salvation Army personnel were on the scene with their mobile canteen units, providing hot and cold drinks, as well as food to the emergency personnel. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which destroyed or heavily damaged approximately 20 units within the complex. Damages have been estimated at $2,000,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

SCOTT TOWNSHIP(GLENDALE DISTRICT) STRUCTURE FIRE KING'S GRANT CONDOMINIUMS 1000 CHATHAM PARK DRIVE 01/29/2007

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA – On Monday, January 29, 2007 at approximately 3:4 ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2007 8:30am PST

STOWE TOWNSHIP STRUCTURE FIRE 1207 WOODWARD AVENUE 12/04/2006 :

STOWE TOWNSHIP STRUCTURE FIRE 1207 WOODWARD AVENUE 12/04/2006

Updated: Apr 09, 2007 10:29pm PST

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE JENNY LEE BAKERY 620 ISLAND AVENUE 11/23/2006 :

MCKEES ROCKS STRUCTURE FIRE JENNY LEE BAKERY 620 ISLAND AVENUE 11/23/2006

Updated: Apr 10, 2007 9:32am PST

COLLIER TOWNSHIP(KIRWAN HEIGHTS DISTRICT) STRUCTURE FIRE CRAZY HORSE AT GREAT SOUTHERN SHOPPING CENTER 09/11/2006 : Collier Township, PA; On Monday, September 11, 2006 at approximately 6:55 a.m. Allegheny County 9-1-1 Center received several calls, reporting a fire at the Crazy Horse bar and restaurant in the Great Southern shopping plaza, located at 1155 Washington Pike in Collier Township. Callers were reporting black smoke and flames coming from the rear of the business. The following units were dispatched on the initial alarm; Kirwin Heights (Station 124), Kirwin Heights EMS (Station 770) and Collier Township police. Lieutenant Joseph Wissel, who was responding from the station and Lieutenant Howard Halle, who was responding from home, could see a thick plume of black smoke in the distance and immediately requested a 2nd alarm assignment. The following units were dispatched on the 2nd alarm; Bower Hill (Station 255), Glendale (Station 257), Bridgeville (Station 117) and Mount Lebanon R.I.T. (Station 198). EMS command requested that Southbridge EMS (Station 815) respond to the scene for standby. Lieutenant Wissel arrived on the scene within minutes and established Crazy Horse command. Lieutenant Wissel reported heavy smoke and fire showing from side “C” of the two-story concrete and wood structure. The Crazy Horse bar and restaurant was flanked by several store fronts, which became an immediate exposure threat. Command requested an immediate 3rd alarm assignment. The following units were dispatched on the 3rd alarm; Fairview (Station 268), Oakdale (Station 215) and Heidelberg (Station 170). Several employees, who were working in nearby stores at the time of the fire had safely evacuated. Engine 124-1 arrived on the scene and laid a 5” supply line from the hydrant on the “C-D” corner of the shopping plaza. Crew from Engine 124-1, led by Lieutenant Halle advanced an attack line into the doorway leading to the kitchen restaurant. Lieutenant Halle made it approximately 150-feet from the door and encountered very intense heat conditions. Lieutenant Halle and his crew retreated from the structure to obtain a thermal imaging camera, to assist them in locating the main body of fire. Lieutenant Halle and crew attempted to re-enter the structure to locate the fire and initiate an aggressive attack. The thermal imaging camera revealed heavy fire conditions above the interior crew, in the ceiling area. Due to the heavy volume of fire and intense heat conditions, the interior crew again backed out of the building. Due to rapidly deteriorating interior conditions, and the fact that the outside walls had developed large cracks from the intense heat, command switched operations to a defensive mode and established a collapse zone. Truck 257 was positioned on side “D” of the structure and set up for aerial operations. Additional crews placed several large caliber attack lines and portable deck guns in operation on the “C” side of the structure, where heavy fire was visible inside two large windows. Approximately 30 minutes into the incident, the crew operating in the basket of Truck 257, reported that the rubber roof gave way and collapsed, leaving several large air conditioning units dangling from the collapsed roof. Command requested a 4th alarm assignment for additional manpower as well as three additional rapid intervention teams at approximately 7:35 a.m. The following units were dispatched to fulfill the assignment; Rennerdale (Station 126), Presto (Station 125), Upper St. Clair R.I.T. (Station 284), Stowe Township R.I.T. (Stations 275 and 277), Castle Shannon R.I.T. (Station 119) and Sturgeon (Station 267) for their mobile cascade unit. Command requested that one additional R.I.T. can set up on the “D” side of the structure with Mt. Lebanon and that the other two can set up on the “B” side of the structure. Truck 117 was set up for aerial operations on the “B” side of the structure and 198 Truck was set up to assist 257 Truck on the “D” side of the structure. Command requested two additional aerial apparatus at approximately 7:40 a.m. Bethel Park (Station 110) and Carnegie (Station 118) were dispatched for their Trucks. Command requested that when Truck 110 and Truck 118 arrive on the scene, they are to set up on the “B” side of the structure and assist Truck 117 with operations. Command requested that Washington Pike (Route 50), which is the main roadway leading to Interstate 79, be shut down in both directions as large diameter hose needed to be laid from hydrants across Washington Pike to supply the additional aerial apparatus. Truck 257 crew reported heavy fire in the roof area extending the length of the roof from the “D” side to the “C” side. The crew from 117 Truck removed the facade above the vacant Casual Big and Tall store on the “B” side of the structure, to access the fire that was running along the voids between the false ceilings and roof area. Truck 110 crew removed the facade above the Dollar Tree on the “B” side of the structure to access the fire. With five aerial master streams, numerous large caliber attack lines and several portable deck guns operating, crews poured copious amounts of water onto the collapsed roof, through open doors, windows and holes in the facade, for several hours before the bulk of the fire was extinguished. Command declared the fire under control at 12:30 p.m. Command advised that units would be on the scene for an extended period of time, performing extensive overhaul operations and dousing hot spots. Command requested a special alarm assignment for additional manpower to assist with overhaul and extinguishment at approximately 2:15 p.m. Whitehall (Station 301), Broughton (Station 270) and Cecil #3 (Washington County Station #10) were notified to respond to the scene. Two firefighters were transported to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Several transfers were needed to cover the empty stations, while crews were committed at the scene. Dormont (Station 130) transferred to Kirwin Heights (Station 124), North Fayette (Station 209) transferred to Heidelberg (Station 170), Crafton (Station 128) transferred to Bridgeville (Station 117), McDonald (Washington County Station 12) transferred to Sturgeon (Station 267), Moon Township (Station 197) transferred to Oakdale (Station 215). Greentree (Station 163) were on standby in their station. Lieutenant Joseph Wissel (Kirwin Heights) was in command of the incident, Chief Gary Sawicki (Bower Hill) was in charge of operations, R.I.T. commander from each R.I.T. were assigned as safety officers and Kirwin Heights was in charge of accountability during the incident. In all, 218 firefighters from 20 departments battled the intense blaze. Firefighters did an excellent job at protecting the exposure stores and preventing the fire from spreading. In addition to Kirwin Heights and Southbridge EMS, Scott Township, MRTS (Medical Rescue Team South) and Northwest EMS units also assisted at the fire scene. Salvation Army personnel were at the scene with two mobile canteen units, providing emergency personnel with coffee, cold beverages and food. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal and Investigators from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) were called to the scene to investigate the fire, which extensively damaged the Crazy Horse and caused moderate to severe damages to Casual Big and Tall, Dollar Tree, K & K Soccer, Hoover Sales, Hallmark and JoAnn Fabrics. Damages have been estimated in excess of $1,000,000.

COLLIER TOWNSHIP(KIRWAN HEIGHTS DISTRICT) STRUCTURE FIRE CRAZY HORSE AT GREAT SOUTHERN SHOPPING CENTER 09/11/2006

Collier Township, PA; On Monday, September 11, 2006 at approximately 6 ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2007 6:30am PST

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