On Saturday, September 29, 2007 at approximately 3:19 p.m. Allegheny 9-1-1 received several reports of a fire in a multi-unit apartment building, located at 111 Maple Avenue in Edgewood. Occupants were in the process of evacuating the structure. The following units were dispatched on the initial assignment; Edgewood (Station 137), Swissvale (Engine 278 and Engine 279), Rankin (Engine 238), Forest Hills (Truck 153), Eastern Area EMS (Station 310) and Edgewood police.

Edgewood police arrived on the scene within minutes and reported heavy smoke showing, with visible flames on side “C”. Captain 137 arrived on the scene within minutes an requested an immediate 2nd alarm assignment. The following units were dispatched on the 2nd alarm; Braddock Hills (Engine 114), Swissvale (Engine 279-2), Forest Hills (Rescue 158), Braddock (Rescue 113), Homestead (R.I.T. 171). Captain 137 reported heavy smoke and fire issuing from a 3-story multi-unit brick apartment building. Chief 137 arrived on the scene a short time later and assumed command.

Engine 137 was the first Engine to arrive on the scene. 137 Engine hit the hydrant with a 5" supply line and laid in. Engine 137 was used as the primary Engine to pump on side "D".

Crews advanced numerous attack lines in efforts to make an aggressive attack on the rapidly spreading flames. Interior crews encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions. Truck 153 was positioned on the “A”/”D” corner of the structure and set up for aerial operations.

Command requested a 3rd alarm assignment for manpower and additional water supply at approximately 3:30 p.m. The following units were dispatched on the 3rd alarm; Munhall #5 (Station 204), Munhall #2 (Station 201), West Homestead (Station 292), North Braddock #2 (207 Engine) and Swissvale (Truck 278).

Command requested that Truck 204 and Truck 278 take a position on side “C” and set up for aerial operations. Interior crews reported heavy fire conditions already above them and throughout the 1st floor.

With interior conditions rapidly deteriorating, command ordered all crews to evacuate the structure and the side “B” fire escape at approximately 3:45 p.m. PAR check was given and all crews were accounted for. With all crews safely out of the well involved structure, which had already self vented through the roof, command switched to a full scale defensive attack.

Several aerial master streams were put into operation on sides “A” and “C”, also numerous large caliber attack lines and deck guns were also utilized during the defensive attack. Command reported a collapse of two of the chimneys on side “B” of the structure at approximately 4:18 p.m.

Command advises all crews accounted for at this time. There was a loss of water pressure several times during the height of the incident. Representatives from the water company responded to the scene to rectify the water issue.

With copious amounts of water being flowed into and onto the burning structure, crews had the main body of fire knocked down within two hours. However, crews continued to douse numerous hot spots and heavy pockets of fire under debris of collapsed structural members. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 7:30 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extensive period of time dousing numerous hot spots and overhaul operations.

Salvation Army personnel were on the scene with their mobile canteen units, providing food and drinks to the emergency personnel. American Red Cross personnel were on the scene assisting the numerous occupants who were displaced by the fire, by providing them with food, clothing and temporary shelter. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which extensively damaged the building. There were a couple of minor injuries reported. The injured were evaluated by EMS personnel and transported to local hospitals for treatment.

In addition to the numerous companies operating at the scene, numerous companies were on standby for the committed companies, they included; Thad Stevens (Penn Hills station 225), Point Breeze (Penn Hills station 224), Penn Hills #7 (Station 227), Pleasant Hills (Station 232), Munhall #2 (Station 201), Whitaker (Station 298), Baldwin Independent (Station 105) and Wilkins Twp #3 (Station 303).