On November 20, 2005, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported working structure fire at 3:37 pm.
Tower 1 and Engine 1 responded with five firefighters under the command of Captain Al Pingie. Upon arrival, heavy fire was blowing out of the first floor of the three-story Victorian home.
Firefighters launched an aggressive attack rapidly knocking down the exterior fire and the fire on the first floor. The fire had already spread up the walls to the second and third floors as well as the attic through the balloon type construction.
Captain Pingie requested a second alarm that brought ten off-duty firefighters with Engine 2, two ambulances, and Fire Chief William McCormack to the scene.
The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department responded with an engine and manpower for stand by at Central Fire Station. Using 3- 1 3/4" attack lines, and a master stream from Tower 1, the fire was brought under control.
Firefighters were on scene for nearly three hours.
Lieutenant Chris Angell fell through the stairwell that had burned out from the second floor to the basement. Angell was able to climb out of the basement using an attic ladder under his own power. He remained at the scene and was latter treated at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Two dogs and a cat died in the fire.
The house was extensively damaged.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Chief McCormack and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.
