FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE A 3RD ALARM FIRE IN VACANT STEAKHOUSE

Lehigh County

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE A 3RD ALARM FIRE IN VACANT STEAKHOUSE

October 23, 2011 at 2:29am

South Whitehall, PA - Lehigh County Fire Radio transmitted the box at 00:58 hours for a structural fire at 1908 Walbert Avenue for smoke coming from the vacant Charlie Brown Steakhouse sending South Whitehall companies 32, 11 and Whitehall's Truck 6.

Command arrives on scene and transmits "smoke showing" from the 2-story restaurant and then strikes the second alarm at 01:01 hours. The second-alarm consists of the remaining units from 3, 32 and Whitehall's rescue 8 (3641) for the R.I.T.

Engine / Tanker 3221 arrives and goes to the rear of the building where fire is venting out of windows on the Charlie - Delta side. Members from 3221 stretch two 1 3/4" hand lines and darken down the bulk of the fire.

Cetronia's Ladder 3 is diverted from an A.F.A. assignment and responds on the 2nd alarm. Whitehall's Tower Ladder 6 arrives and sets up on Walbert Avenue in front of the building, while Tower Ladder 3 goes to the parking lot on side Bravo.

One line is stretched from Tower Ladder 3 to the main entrance of the restaurant. Engine 1112 (Greenawalds) hits the plug right in front of the building and supplies engine 311. Engine 311 supplies both tower ladders.

Another lines is stretched from Engine 311 to the main entrance of the building. With heavy smoke still pushing from the roof, command strikes the 3rd alarm at 01:08 hours..

The 3rd alarm companies consist of station 26 (Tri-Clover & 31 (Western Salisbury). Command special-calls Fogelsville 8 for a full response.

Members from both truck companies go to the roof and open up to vent, while members from the engines work inside pulling ceilings to get the fire in the cockloft.

At 02:07 hours, the evacuation tones are transmitted due to partial collapse of the second floor. Allentown engine 6 and Catasauqua engine 212 are special-called.

At 02:32 hours, Fogelsville Truck 8 goes into service on the Bravo - Charlie side of the building.

Members working in the basement find minor extension. Allentown firefighters go to work in the basement and hit the hot spots. A third hand line is stretched from engine / tanker 3221 to back-up lines already operating in the rear.

Coplay's Air Unit 591 is assisting on the scene as is Cetronia EMS. North Penn Goodwill is supplying food and drinks to the firefighters.