09/14/2004
- Munhall - Multi-Family Dwelling Structure Fire
615 East 18th Avenue
At approximately
18:30 hours on 14 September 2004, Munhall Communications recieved a report of
a fire inside a row house at 615 East 18th Avenue in the boro of Munhall. The
first alarm was immediately dispatched, putting stations 200, 201, and 204 in
service as well as station 630 (Munhall Area Pre-Hospital Services), and Munhall
PD. Munhall Bureau of Fire assistant chief 775C3, Ed Pletch arrived within minutes
after dispatch, confirmed heavy smoke coming from the sector 3 side, and assumed
command. Squirt 200 was ordered to take the hydrant at 18th & Andrew, lay
into the alley, and begin truc kops.Engine204arrived shortly there after and
assisted the crew from station 200. Engine 201 was ordered to take the hydrant
at 18th and McClure and lay into the sector 1 side.
At approximately 18:45 hours, command requested the second alarm struck, bringing
Station 171, Air 294, Engine 294 (RIT) to the scene. The remaining Munhall companies,
stations 202 and 203 were also dispatched to the scene for additional manpower.
Truck 171 was instructed to set up in front of Engine 201 in sector 1 and vent
the roof. Truck 171 was fed a steady water supply courtesy of Engine 201. Crews
quickly knocked down the main body of the fire. Command placed the incident under
control at approximately 19:10 hours.
Numerous transfers and stand-bys were put into effect. Rescue 295 transfered
to station 203, station 298 was placed on stand by in station to cover Munhall,
station 292 was placed on stand by in station for Homestead, and Quint 293 transferred
to station 171. Brentwood and Prism EMS also responded to the scene to assist
MAPS. Homestead and West Homestead PD's also responded to assist with crowd control.
Allegheny County Fire Marshall was also notified and responded to the scene.
Some hazards on scene included live wires down on the sector 3 side which arced
several times.
The bulk of the fire was contained to the originating structure, however units
on either side received some smoke, fire, and water damage. No injuries to firefighters
were reported, however one civilian injury-a puncture wound to the foot-was treated
by Brentwood EMS. It is unknown as to whether the civilian was transported to
a local hospital. The incident is under investigation. All units cleared the
scene by 20:00 hours.
Photos and story courtesy of Brian Mach
Report update by Mark St Clair
Brentwood EMS did
not respond to the incident. One of MAPS's personnel also works at Brentwood
and just happened to be wearing that gear for the call. The civilian foot injury
was treated by MAPS and not transported, however 1 firefighter was transported
by MAPS for a minor injury. A child was also transported by MAPS from the scene
for a medical problem.
