Harrisburg, PA - City and county mutual aid firefighters had their hands full during the evening hours when two back to back three-alarm fires struck the city.
The first call came in around 6:40 pm for 1615 Derry Street in the Allison Hill section.
First arriving units had heavy fire to the rear of a vacant, 3 story, frame duplex.
High winds helped fanned the blaze to the second floor and roof of the fire building and the occupied exposure. 2nd and 3rd alarms were quickly struck bringing the remaining city units and county mutual aid. All companies were put to work chasing the stubborn fire.
The fire was placed under control at 7:47 pm.
Units on the scene: Squad 8, Wagon 3, 4, Tower 1,2,3 (Harrisburg City), Engine 301 (Penbrook), 37-1 (Rescue), Truck 12 (Lower Allen), 32 (Progress), Rescue 69 (York Co), Air 13 (West Shore Fire).
As many 2nd and 3rd alarm companies were returning from Derry Street, stand by companies were toned to 2424 Jefferson Street for a reported structure fire in the Uptown district.
County Communications reported multiple calls being received. Truck 50 (Steelton) arrived on location reporting a working fire.
Heavy fire was blowing from four dwellings. Due to tremendous winds blowing Chief 2 quickly struck multiple alarms and requested master stream operations. Multiple handlines, Engine 40's deck gun, and aerial streams from Tower 2 and Truck 50 provided the initial attack on the fire.
Companies continued to pour water on the structures as incoming crews worked to protect a 3 story, brick duplex.
Many companies who worked the Derry Street fire also were on the scene on Jefferson Street. Companies remained on the scene for several hours chasing hot spots. A rear wall collapse occurred while units were operating but did not injure any members. Units on the scene: Engine 2-13 (West Shore Fire), 40 (Paxtang), 301 (Penbrook), 37-1 (Rescue), Truck 12 (Lower Allen), 32 (Progress), 34 (Paxtonia), 50 (Steelton), Rescue 44 (Lawnton), 69 (York Co), Wagon 3, 4, Engine 2, Tower 1,2,3 (Harrisburg City), Air 13 (West Shore Fire).
