After a day of storm standby operations, the Jefferson Township Fire Company #2 responded to a commercial structure fire late on January 25. Units from Jefferson Township Fire Districts 1 and 2, as well as the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad, were sent to the southbound lanes of Route 15 at around 9:55 p.m. due to a reported smoke condition at a commercial tire store.

When Ladder 711 arrived first, it was established that the building was emitting a lot of smoke. When crews forced entry, they were met with a partial roof collapse and intense fire throughout the building. Operations switched to a defensive strategy because of the circumstances.

Snow-covered hydrants and the effects of winter weather were among the new difficulties brought about by the recent snowstorm. Throughout the tragedy and during the first response, several mutual-aid departments provided assistance. By around 1:00 a.m., every unit had been released and put back into service. Coordinated mutual-aid efforts were crucial to handling the situation safely and successfully, according to fire officials.