A full first-alarm assignment was dispatched shortly after 3 a.m. on August 8th for a reported residential structure fire near the intersection of Rich Hill Road and Jacoby Road. Responding units were advised by Harmar Township police that the structure was heavily involved and that live electrical lines were down in the area.

Initial arriving apparatus included Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department Truck 216, Dorseyville Volunteer Fire Company Engine 172 and Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company Engine 315. Crews found a vacant, two-story residence heavily involved in fire.

The incident occurred on August 8, 2026, in Harmar Township, Pennsylvania. Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company, Station 315, was the home department and established incident command. A second alarm was requested because of the volume of fire and challenges establishing an adequate water supply.

According to the fire company’s incident account, the three closest hydrants required crews to establish nearly a combined mile of 5-inch supply line to support suppression operations. Four 1¾-inch handlines, two 2½-inch lines and three master-stream devices were placed in service during the operation.

The incident developed into a regional mutual-aid response. In addition to Allegheny Valley VFC, participating fire companies included Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company, Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department, Rural Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Dorseyville Volunteer Fire Company, Frazer Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 2, Verona Volunteer Fire Company, East Deer Township Volunteer Hose Company, Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services, Fox Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, West Deer Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 2, West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 and Pioneer Hose Company of Brackenridge.

Lower Valley EMS and Harmar Township Police also supported the incident. Crews remained committed for approximately four hours before clearing the scene.

The vacant residence was destroyed. No injuries were reported in the available public accounts. The combination of the advanced fire conditions, downed energized utilities and limited nearby hydrant access required an extended water-supply operation and resources from numerous neighboring departments.