This morning at approximately 7:21 am Adams Area was alerted into the Middlesex Township first due for a working fire at Crossway Community Church. The fire appeared to have started from an electrical malfunction in the air conditioning unit on the outside of the building, which was arcing when crews arrived. The fire traveled the outside wall and into the eaves of the roof line, extending into the attic space.

Middlesex Chief 16-2 arrived within five minutes of dispatch, assuming the command. Engine 42 and Tower 42 arrived on scene as first due engine and truck with 4, with Engine 42 arriving within 6 minutes of dispatch. An attack line was pulled and the bulk of the fire on the outside of the building was extinguished. The Engine crew then made access into the attic space and extinguished the heavy fire in the attic while the Tower worked on opening up and controlling utilities. Middlesex Tanker 16 supplied water and set up drafting operations due to no nearby hydrants being in the area. The fire attack and existing fire stops in the structure were able to hold the fire from running the roof line through the rest of the building, minimizing the extent of the damage to just the one wing of the church, as shown in the photos. An arrival video from the drive-cam is also attached.

We were also assisted by Callery Station 19, Evans City Station 20, Cranberry Station 21, West Deer #3 Station 290 (Allegheny County), Marshall Twp Station 185 (Allegheny County), and Quality EMS Station 76 who provided much needed water, cooling, and rehab.

Crews operated on scene for a little over two hours completing overhaul before returning in service.