At approximately 1945hrs Box 0361 was transmitted for a residential structure fire at the Shaffer residence near the intersection of the Combs Creek Road and Johnson's Crossing in Liberty Township.

Chiefs 3 (Roys) and 320 (Ernst) both went responding at the time of the dispatch, however, Chief 3 reported that he was responding from Roulette (roughly 8 miles away). Engine 33 w/5 (Capt. F. Roys) and Engine 32 w/6 (Capt. M. Johnson) were on the street two minutes later. Ironically, Roulette Engine 46-2 and Rescue 46-8 were actually in Port Allegany at Miles' Salvage doing vehicle rescue training at the time of the dispatch, so they were able to respond right away and fall in line behind Engine 33.

Chief 320 arrived on the scene first, assumed "Combs Command" and, after giving his initial size up, reported that the incident was, in fact, an apparent working flue fire. Engine 33 arrived next and their crew went to work laddering the "Alpha side" of the building. Command ordered the next due engine (46-2) to stop short and stage at the dry hydrant located at Johnson's Crossing on land that had actually been donated by the Shaffer family. Engine 32 arrived third due just seconds later and, per the order of Command, laid a 5" LDH supply line from 46-2 to the front of the residence as a precaution. Chief 3 arrived moments later and assumed the role of Operations Officer.

In the mean time, the crew from Engine 32 threw their ladders to the "Delta side" of the structure and went to work on the roof clearing the chimney. Because the Star Hose Company color codes all the equipment carried by the various companies with Scotchlite tape, it's easy to see in the photos(at right), the obvious difference between Engine 33's (blue) and Engine 32's (red) ladders. 

While 32 worked the chimney on the roof, Engine 33 went to the interior of the structure to check for any possible extension in the upper floors. Finding no extension they proceeded to the basement to empty out the woodstove that was ultimately at the root of the problem. They were met there by the crew from Rescue 38 (OIC Joel Anderson) who was placing fans to remove any residual smoke from the structure. Both companies then worked together carry pail after pail of the burning materials out onto the yard.

Once it was determined that there was no fire extension outside the chimney, Command recalled the responding units from Station 2 and Station 4 and released the companies from Station 46. Engine 42 was held at Station 3 as a cover assignment.

The remainder of the incident involved clearing the burning materials out of the old 3 story chimney. The crew from Engine 32 on the roof had to rotate out and was replaced by Rescue 38 before all the fire was completely out. 

Command declared the fire "under control" at 2015hrs, but did no delare it "out" until 2104hrs.

All units returned to service and were in quarters by 2156hrs.