At at 2:38 a.m. on August 9, the Ashville Volunteer Fire Company responded to a commercial fire alarm at Captain Ron's Deli, 1662 Liberty St. Two minutes later, the situation was upgraded to a first-alarm structure fire with potential entrapment.

Crews from Ashville, Gallitzin, Loretto, Cresson, and Portage responded, and other EMS units offered assistance. Truck 60 forced in and started searching as Chief Sherry established command. Firefighters launched an internal assault after discovering a deep-seated fire in the ceiling above the kitchen.

Crews established primary and secondary water supplies using more than 1,000 feet of 5-inch hose, additional engines and tankers. Fire extended through the attic, and firefighters evacuated after the roof showed signs of instability. Minutes later, part of the roof and wooden ceiling collapsed. Defensive operations continued for the remainder of the incident.