At 02:00 hours early Sunday morning, Company 5 was dispatched on Box 511 to the rear of 108 South Pugh Street for a building fire. Captain 595 (Kuchmay) was first on the air and was advised there were reports of flames coming from the electrical system behind the Kid’s Clothesline clothing store. Engine 510 and Truck 516 responded promptly afterwards.

595 arrived on scene and reported smoke and some visible flames showing from the East Calder Alley side of the structure (Side “C”) and ordered Engine 510 to lay in from the hydrant at South Pugh and East Beaver.

As 510 and 516 arrived on scene it was realized that the fire was more widespread than initially thought. 516’s crew forced entry into the basement of the structure and were encountered with a significant volume of fire and heavy smoke throughout. Forced entry was also made into the adjacent Rathskeller Bar to check for extension. 510’s crew advanced a line into the basement of the Frame Shop and made an initial knock in the fire, however deteriorating conditions forced crews to back out and reformulate an attack strategy.  In addition, crews were faced with multiple live power lines and command requested a utilities representative to the scene as soon as possible.

The structure involved was one of the oldest buildings in State College and was divided into several businesses. The majority of the fire was burning within the walls and smoke conditions were indicating that it could have spread to all 3 floors. At that time 595 ordered the second alarm bringing Ladder 217 (Bellefonte Fire Dept, Undine Fire Company) and Engine 810 (Pleasant Gap Fire Co.) to the scene. Engine 111 (Bellefonte Fire Dept, Logan Fire Company) was transferred to Station 5 Main. Engine 310 and Rescue 318 (Boalsburg Fire Co) were already on scene.

It was decided to have crews access the 2^nd floor from the Calder Alley Side while crews from Engine 514 and 512, who were on the East College Ave side of the structure (Side “A”), to advance lines into the 1^st and 2^nd floors. Crews from 510 and 310 advanced lines up the exterior to the 2^nd floor while 516’s crew ventilated. Crews from Pleasant Gap set up a RIT Team for the front and rear of the structure.  Command also requested Truck 217 to set up on Side “A”.  Despite frigid and icy conditions, Firefighters worked throughout the night extinguishing hidden fires and hot spots. Due to their diligent efforts the fire was contained to the initial building despite having multiple exposures and that much damage was avoided to the businesses within.  

Units cleared the scene by 06:30 hours and Company 5 was back in service by 07:30. The fire marshal stated the cause of the fire was electrical.