At 2:12 AM West Mead #1 was dispatched with Meadville Central and Meadville Ambulance for a structure fire on Chestnut Street with occupants evacuating the building. Engines 28-12 and 28-13 and Squad 28-14 responded to the scene, a three-story commercial structure with light smoke in the basement and first floor. Meadville Chief Evan Hasko requested a second alarm, bringing West Mead #2, Vernon Central, and Saegertown to the incident. While Engine 28-12 connected Meadville’s Engine 16-2 to a hydrant, crews from 28-12 and 28-13 began an interior attack with Meadville Central. The fire was located in the basement, with extension into the first-floor flooring.

Crews began a labor-intensive overhaul operation, opening up a 100-square-foot area of the floor with multiple flooring layers. An additional engine crew was requested from Hayfield to assist with overhaul.

West Mead #1 personnel assisted with command, water supply, fire suppression and overhaul, and accountability.

During the operation, one West Mead #1 firefighter made an emergency exit from the basement when his SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) malfunctioned, but he soon returned to the operation. No other injuries were reported.

All 28 units returned to service by 8:18 AM.

Some photos courtesy of Doug Sekerski, used by permission