On Saturday, February 10, 2007 at approximately 1:11 p.m. Allegheny County 9-1-1 received reports of a structure fire at 24 Kenwood Avenue, located in the Perry Hilltop section of the City of Pittsburgh. Initial reports indicated that there may be someone trapped on the 3^rd floor. The following units were dispatched on the zone 1-13 assignment; 38 Engine, 34 Engine, 32 Engine, 34 Truck, 4021 (District Battalion Chief), 3 Engine (Go Team), 4024 (Safety Chief), MAC-2 (Mobile Cascade Unit), Rescue Truck, Medic Unit and Medic supervisor.

First arriving unit reported smoke showing from a 3-story wood frame structure which had been converted into several apartments. Exposures on sides “B” and “D”. Firefighters were advised that the eight occupants self evacuated, however one female sustained burns to her hands and a male received smoke inhalation. The injured occupants were transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment. Crews advanced a 1 ¾” attack line into the structure and initiated an aggressive interior attack.

Additional crews advanced a secondary attack line into the structure, as the Truck crew laddered the structure and initiated ventilation operations. Interior crews reported heavy smoke conditions and advised command that the fire appears to be running the walls. Command requested a 2^nd alarm assignment for manpower at approximately 1:18 p.m. The following units were dispatched on the 2^nd alarm; 37 Engine, 30 Engine, 32 Truck, 402 (Deputy Chief) and 614 (Training Academy Chief).

Interior crews reported heavy fire on the 1^st floor with extension into the 3^rd floor via concealed spaces. Interior crews made an aggressive attack on the fire, as additional crews opened walls to expose and additional hidden fire within the balloon style construction of the structure. Crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire and continued to check for further extension. Command placed the fire under control at approximately 2:07 p.m. Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time, performing extensive overhaul operations.

Salvation Army personnel were at the scene with their mobile canteen units, providing beverages and food to the emergency personnel. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced occupants by providing them with food, clothing and temporary shelter. The City of Pittsburgh Arson Squad was called to the scene to investigate the fire, which caused an estimated $80,000 in damages. The cause of the fire is under investigation.