Pennsylvania Firefighters Battle Structure Fire With Entrapment

Jan. 27, 2003
On Sunday Jan. 26, 2003, at approx. 1030hrs., the Daugherty Twp. Fire Dept was dispatched for a structure fire on Mercer Rd.

On Sunday Jan. 26, 2003, at approx. 1030hrs., the Daugherty Twp. Fire Dept was dispatched for a structure fire on Mercer Rd.

While en route, units were advised of possible entrapment on the first floor. The first due Engine found a 2-1/2 story Apt building, approx 30ft X 30ft. with smoke showing on all sides.

Crews initially stretched 2 1-/3/4" handlines (one in the front door, and one on side 2). As crews entered the building from side 2, the room just inside the door, along with the side 2 porch flashed over, and that crew back off, and started attack from the porch.

An interior attack was initiated and crews found a female on the side 2 hallway down on the floor. Crews extricated the victim, and transferred care to the ambulance crew on the scene, the Pt was transported to the local hospital and at the time of transport was alive.

Crews were evacuated due to deteriorating fire conditions on side 3. When the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the building and mopped up the remaining fire.

Later in the fire, a second evacuation occurred when the side 3-4 corner collapsed. A little later in the incident, more of the 3-4 corner collapsed, and the side 3 ext. wall collapsed also.

Crews remained on scene for several hours. Initial alarm was Daugherty Twp. Fire Department. Assistance was requested and North Sewickley Twp. and New Brighton Fire Departments responded.

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