Altoona Fire Dept in action

Structure Fire at the Altoona Rescue Mission, 11-26-2004. This fire was dispatched at 8:23am and worked by "C" Trick. All 4 city engine companies responded, as well as Truck 351. It was the "baptism by fire" for the new 311, which had been placed in service just weeks prior. At it's peak, 311 supplied water to 7 handlines, 2 ground deluge guns, and it's own deck gun, flowing over 1800 gallons per minute. The structure was well-involved upon our arrival and off-duty personnel were immediately called in to assist. With the spare callout, Rescue 331 responded with manpower and Truck 352 responded to provide aerial coverage to the rear of the building. Firefighters evacuated the building prior to roof burn-through and collapse and operations switched to exterior only. No exposures were damaged and no civilians were injured.

Early view from "B" side of structure	Early view from "D" side of structure
Crew preparing to enter 2nd floor	Interior operations in progress
Smoke billowing from 2nd & 3rd floors, 311 in foreground	351 accessing A/B corner of structure
Roof starting to burn through	Roof burnt through
311 deck gun in operation		Preparing to access "D" side from 352
Chief Santone assessing fire from 352	Attacking fire from 352
Spaghetti of hose and ground deluge guns in operation	Exterior operations from A/B corner of structure
Broad view of exterior operations from "A" side

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