Huntingdon, PA - On 18th March 2026 around 2:00 PM, Huntingdon County Fire Services responded to a First Alarm assignment for a commercial building fire on Box 7-9. Engine 21 and Tanker 21 were immediately dispatched. Engine 21 left the station within two minutes with a crew of three, followed closely by Tanker 21 with two personnel.

Approximately eight miles from the scene, the crew of Engine 21 reported seeing a large header of smoke. While approaching the fire, they learned that a fill site was needed. Chief 21 contacted Command to confirm if Engine 21 should manage the fill site, as they were nearing it. The crew promptly set up the fill site and began filling incoming tankers. Located less than a mile from the fire, the fill site became extremely busy, at times supplying three tankers simultaneously.

Engine 21, a valued asset of the department, had been out of winter service due to a lack of tire chains. This marked the first active deployment of the engine equipped with a front suction, which proved to be exceptionally effective. Leaving the station with a full tank of fuel, Engine 21 returned with only an eighth of a tank remaining.

During operations, Chief 21 managed the pump, while Captain and Lieutenant 21 hooked up and filled tankers. In total, the crew supplied 22 tankers with an estimated 50,000 gallons of water. Tanker 21 completed four water shuttle runs before returning to service.

The Mount Union Fire Company generously provided food and refreshments to crews on the scene, and the units later stopped at neighboring Mill Creek Station 20 to clean hoses and hard suction lines.

The operation highlighted the efficiency and dedication of Huntingdon County Fire Services in supporting firefighting efforts and managing critical water supply logistics during major incidents.