On Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at approximately 6:20 p.m. Allegheny 9-1-1 received a report of a house on fire, at 420 Colton Street in Millvale. All occupants were reported to have safely self evacuated. The following units were dispatched on the initial assignment; Millvale (Station 191), Bauerstown (Station 259), Etna (Station 149), Cherry City (Station 260), Aspinwall R.I.T. (Station 102), Ross/West View EMS and Millvale police.

Millvale officer Vehec arrived on the scene within minutes and reported a working fire. First arriving unit reported moderate fire issuing from the Charlie side and heavy smoke pushing from the basement level and 1st division, of a two-story, wood frame residential structure, with an exposure on the Bravo side of the fire structure. First arriving Engine crew advanced a 1 ¾” attack line into the structure.

Interior crews encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions in the basement of the structure, which was discovered to be the kitchen area of the residence. Interior crews initiated an aggressive attack on the fire, quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire. Additional support crews advanced a secondary attack line to the 1st division and performed ventilation operations, as well as checked for extension. Support crews found no evidence of extension into the upper divisions.

Command placed the fire under control at approximately 6:50 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, performing overhaul operations. The American Red Cross personnel were at the scene assisting those 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 was confined to the basement/kitchen area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.