Automatic Alarm Turns Into Box Alarm With Fire in the Basement of Local Downtown Restaurant

At 1525hrs E31 and T42 were dispatched for the Automatic Fire Alarm at 51 South Market Street. E31 arrived on the scene with nothing evident form side A of the building. As the crew from E31 investigated, they reported heavy smoke in the basement area and requested the box be filled. At 1527 Box 3-3 was struck for smoke in the basement, Battalion 902 arrived in a matter of minutes and reported fire in the basement and the building being evacuated, Battalion 902 established Command on Side A of the building. E31 secured their own water supply and advanced 1 3/4 handline to the basement level of the restaurant Interior crews reported fire located in the laundry room in the basement with the bulk of fire being knocked down and checking for extension. E23 layed out from Court St and Citizens way for position on Side C of the building and advanced 1 3/4 handline to the basement to back up E31 crew. Tower 1 arrived and position on side C and checked the first floor of the building for extension, E502 pulled an additional line to floor above the fire, E12 secured water for Engine 23 and the crew checked the building to determine evacuation was complete. C3-2 along with C-4 worked with crews in the basement on overhaul and checking for any extension, no extension was found and units started picking up. Command reported fire out holding E31, RS3, T42 and Tower1 placing all others in service when ready. Due to sprinkler activation in the basement the fire was held to the room of origin, no injuries were reported. Command requested health department, Allegheny power, and county FM office along with Washington gas. Command was terminated and the remaining units placed in service.