Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania - At 6:46 A.M. on February 24, 2004, NEWCOM Emergency Communications, located just outside the City of Pittsburgh, began to take numerous calls for smoke and fire coming from the building located at 718 North Main in Sharpsburg.
On the initial alarm, firefighters from Sharpsburg (265), Aspinwall (102), Blawnox (111), and Pleasant Valley (217) were dispatched. Minutes later, first arriving police and fire units confirmed heavy smoke and fire from the three-story commercial/residential structure and immediately began to request additional alarm assignments. It was still unknown if anyone was inside.
According the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the building housed a window repair business on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors. All were extensively damaged. In the end, all residents were accounted for, and all escaped injury.
Nearly 100 firefighters battled the blaze for over three hours. It is believed at least two firefighters received minor injuries while battling the blaze. The fire is still under investigation by the Allegheny County Fire Marshall's Office.
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