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.