Firefighters from Aliquippa were called to a reported commercial structure fire at the old sausage shop on Kennedy Boulevard just before 4:00 p.m. on December 15. Beaver County 911 advised responding units of flames showing through the windows. Engine 91 reported a working fire and requested that the assignment be escalated to a second alarm as soon as it was in a way. When responders arrived, they found the structure to be heavily damaged by fire. Due to extreme cold temperatures and the need for a sustained water supply, tankers were requested early in the incident to support operations.

Engine 91's driver reported a mayday during internal operations after momentarily losing his bearings in the heat and poor vision. The member was safely rescued without suffering any significant injuries after being found and evacuated by firefighters on the spot. A regional strike team and other departments reacted to the first and second alerts. Allegheny Health Network Prehospital Care Services and Medic Rescue Ambulance Service provided EMS support, while the Aliquippa Police Department was in charge of scene security. For prolonged suppression and overhaul activities, crews stayed on the spot.