At 0015 Box 1-3 sent "A" platoon companies to the 2000 block of Susquehanna Street for a structure fire. PD reported the fire and it did'nt take crews long to learn they would be going to work. Tower 1 crew could see the glow coming across the State Street Bridge. Chief 4 (Horst) requested the first alarm assignment prior to arrival. First due units from the uptown, Wagon 3 and Tower 2, arrived to two vacant, middle of the row, dwellings with fire showing on all floors. The fire was rapidly extending to the occupied exposures. Wagon 3 laid a supply line in from Maclay Street and made the narrow turn onto Susquehanna Street, a very narrow street typical of Uptown neighborhoods. Tower 2 and Squad 8 staged out on Maclay Street. Tower 1 took a position on side A in a parking lot but power lines made for difficult operations in the early moments of the fire.

A special call was made for a ladder and engine before Chief 4 requested the balance of the second alarm. Additional water supplies were needed by incoming units as heavy fire worked its way the row of homes. Wagon 4, arriving on the first alarm, stretched a supply line from N. Third and Peffer Streets and supplied Tower 1. Engine 37-1, grabbed a hydrant at Susquehanna & Gieger Streets and supplied water from the south end. Several hand lines, ground monitors, and a master stream from Tower 1 played water on the two fire buildings while additional manpower worked diligently inside the occupied homes opening up, performing searches, and knocking down interior fire.

Additional resources from Dauphin and Cumberland County mutual aid companies were requested to the scene to assist with extensive overhaul. Companies remained on the scene throughout the night chasing hot spots. The fire affected eight row homes and left 13 adults and 5 children homeless. The fire is being considered suspicious and is currently under investigation.