On Saturday, December 15, 2007 at approximately 1:52 p.m. Allegheny 9-1-1 received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at 216 North Linden Avenue, in the Point Breeze section of the City of Pittsburgh. The following units were dispatched on the zone 3-15 assignment; 17 Engine, 15 Engine, 18 Engine, 17 Truck, 4023 (District Battalion Chief), 19 Engine (Go Team), 4022 (Safety Chief), MAC-2 (Mobile Cascade Unit), Rescue Truck and a Medic Unit.

First arriving unit reported a fully involved structure, with exposures on sides “B” and “D”. An immediate 2nd alarm assignment was requested. The following units were dispatched on the 2nd alarm; 8 Engine, 12 Engine, 8 Truck, 402 (Deputy Chief) and 614 (Training Academy Chief). Crews immediately initiated a defensive attack on the involved structure. Crews also aggressively worked on protecting the two immediate exposures. Crews made a primary search of both exposure structures.

Command requested a 3rd alarm assignment for manpower and water supply at approximately 2:15 p.m. The following units were dispatched on the 3rd alarm; 7 Engine, 10 Engine, unit 40 (Assistant Chief) and unit 42 (Assistant Chief). The fire had extended into the two exposure structures, however crews were able to quickly knock down the fire in the exposure structures and minimize further damage and extension.

Command reported a collapse of the main fire building at approximately 2:35 p.m. Command reported that all crews were accounted for. This was the first working structure fire for 7 Engine, since they received their new KME Engine. The class A foam system on 7 Engine was put to use, to snuff out the fire that was still burning under the collapsed debris of the involved structure.

Command placed the fire under control at approximately 3:00 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time dousing numerous hot spots. Salvation Army personnel were on the scene providing hot beverages and snacks to the firefighters, who not only were battling the flames, but the freezing temperatures and a little snow storm. The City of Pittsburgh Arson Squad was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which completely destroyed the building of origin and damaged the exposures.