On Thursday, April 22, 2004, at 12:15 AM, Youngstown, Ohio fire crews were dispatched to 2606 Glenwood Ave. Responding to a reported commercial structure fire, Engines 2, 15, and 3, Squad 33, Ladder 24 and both Battalion 1 and 2 were dispatched.
Battalion 2 was the first fire unit on the scene and reported heavy smoke showing from a two-story, brick, commercial structure and assumed command. The business, JB Store, was located on the west side of Glenwood Ave in the Fosterville section of Youngstown. Command ordered Ladder 24 to set up on Glenwood Avenue in front of the fire building to protect the south exposure. Engine 3 was ordered to set up their squirt at the rear of the fire building to protect an occupied house behind the store.
At 12:25 AM, command requested an additional engine to the scene and Engine 7 was dispatched.
Fire crews were unable to make entrance into the building and fire quickly consumed the structure forcing crews to switch to defensive mode. Several manned handlines were placed in service to help contain the flames. Crews continued to pour water onto the blaze for over three hours.
The combination grocery store and beauty shop had closed for business at 8 PM that evening. The arson bureau is investigating and a cause has yet to be determined.
Engine 15 was special called as a relief company. Several police units helped block off the street and Rural Metro Ambulance had a med unit standing by on the scene. Demolition crews were on the scene razing the remaining part of the building later that morning.
