Nov 3rd - The Bedford County 911 Center went straight to a second alarm assignment on the 35 - 01 box at 19:13 hours on Monday evening for an apartment fire on Main Street in Saxton. Chief 35 arrived on scene and assumed command of a working fire in a second floor apartment above the OIP Restaurant. Heavy fire and smoke were evident from the ‘D’ side windows. residents were able to escape to safety but were attempting to re-enter the structure to rescue their cats. Chief 35 had them clear the balcony away from the fire-ground operations calming them with a promise to try and save their cats.

Engine 35 laid a supply line in from the hydrant at 8^th & Main and stationed at the ‘A’/’D’ corner. The engine crew stretched two 1&3/4 attack lines up a ladder raised to the second floor balcony and advanced through the apartment door on the ‘D’ side for the interior attack. The crew made a rapid and successful knockdown of the fire. Deputy Chief 35 radioed Command 35 of fire under control within minutes of the initial attack and assumed Division 2 Officer. Assistant 35-2 was designated as the Operations Officer and coordinated the actions of the staffing from the multiple companies on the alarm. Hydraulic ventilation was initiated by the engine company while the truck company opened up and performed overhaul operations. A salvage crew was assigned to cover the equipment in the restaurant on the first floor. Wagon 36 with Chief 36 was stationed on the ‘A’ side after laying in from 7^th & Main serving as a secondary water supply. Rescue 36 provided scene lighting from Main Street. Rescue 35 and Truck 35 were set up on the ‘B’ Side and Department 5 staged at the command post for RIT. All other apparatus was staged in the Dollar General Parking lot with the exception of Engine 32 and Tanker 41 who were staged at 9^th and Main and given the stand by assignment.

The quick and effective actions of the crews working the job resulted in containment of the fire to only the apartment of origin. There was only minor smoke damage to the adjacent apartment and minimal water damage to the restaurant below. The OIP is open for business today as normal. The cats were all rescued and returned to their owner in good condition. The incident was terminated at 20:41 hours and all apparatus was back in quarters and ready at 21:02 hours. A PA State Fire Marshal was on the scene Tuesday to investigate the cause of the fire.