A first-alarm assignment was sent to the 900 block of Dillon Road in Elizabeth Township just before 4:00 p.m. on November 29th due to a reported structure fire. A passing Allegheny County Sheriff's unit confirmed that a residence was on fire shortly after dispatch.

In less than ten minutes, Elizabeth Township Fire Department units arrived and verified that the fire was operational. Only 140 Attack could reach the house because of its distance from the road and a nearby bridge that had a weight restriction. Initial suppression started after two handlines were stretched. A catastrophic failure of the first hydrant supplying the attack lines momentarily affected operations. Crews managed to contain the fire after establishing a backup water supply. Before going back into service, units worked on the site for about 4.5 hours.

The Allegheny County incident Marshal is still looking into what caused the incident. During the tragedy, mutual help partners assisted.