08/30/2026
At 6:00 a.m., Company 5 was dispatched to the 300 block of W. College Avenue in the Borough of State College for a building fire. Initial callers reported an apartment on fire and water flow from an upper floor sprinkler. Upon arrival, crews found smoke conditions in the impacted area of the building with a fire successfully extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system. Crews immediately began conducting primary searches of the impacted spaces, shutting down sprinkler control valves, clearing smoke, and removing standing water from the affected areas to minimize property damage.
High-rise fires present unique challenges for firefighters in a number of areas. In the event of an emergency in your building, always remember to leave entrances and exits cleared for first responders. Quickly and calmly exit the building to a safe space at a distance from the facility. Remember to listen to instructions from first responders and building representatives, leave personal items behind, and never use the elevators during a fire emergency. Never reenter the building until directed, even if the alarm sis no longer activated.
Company 5 responded with Engine 5-1, Engine 5-4, Truck 5-2, and the Fire Police with 20 personnel. Crews operated for just over 2 hours. Chief 5-1 (A. Prestia) held the command.
Buildings throughout the Centre Region are equipped with extensive fire protection systems. This morning’s fire was successfully extinguished by the sprinkler in the affected bedroom. Always remember to avoid blocking sprinkler heads or placing items on them. Doing so can interfere with critical fire protection equipment that can stop the spread of fire.
The fire remains under investigation by the Centre Region Fire Marshal’s Office. Questions should be directed to the Centre Region Fire Administration via phone at (814) 237-4127.
Watch the crew of Engine 5-1 as they make their way up to the 6th floor.
