On Thursday, March 13, 2008 at approximately 5:39 p.m. Moon Township dispatch center received a call from Guardian Protection, reporting a commercial fire alarm activated for the Moon Township Community Center, located at 1700 Beaver Grade Road. The following units were dispatched on the initial alarm; Moon Township (Station 197), Valley EMS and Moon Township police.

Moon Township officer Kazmierczak arrived on the scene within minutes and reported an odor of smoke in the common area on the 1st floor. Upon further investigation, officer Kazmierczak reported visible smoke by the 2nd floor elevator and reported that the 3rd floor was heavily charged with smoke. Officer Kazmierczak evacuated the building and the responding fire units were updated.

Upon arriving on the scene, 197 Chief assumed Community Center command and 197 Assistant Chief assumed operations. First arriving crew from Engine 1 advanced a 1 ¾” attack line through the front door and up the stairwell to the upper floor, where they encountered heavy smoke conditions. Additional crews laddered the structure with ground ladders.

Interior crews quickly located the seat of the fire in a small storage/supply room located on the upper floor, on the Charlie side of the structure. Crews quickly darkened the fire and began checking for extension. Positive pressure fans were placed in operation to evacuate the smoke from the structure. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 6:10 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an additional 45 minutes, performing overhaul operations. The fire was contained to the room of origin and is under investigation.