At approximately 1:20 a.m. on February 26, the Gettysburg fire department and mutual aid units were dispatched to South Washington Street for a reported porch fire. Deputy Chief 1 and Engine 1-2, staffed with a crew of four, responded and arrived to find a three-story apartment building with light smoke visible and a resident redirecting personnel to the rear of the building.

Deputy Chief 1 repositioned to the back of the structure, where smoke was found coming from the second-floor porch area and a tenant was attempting to put out the fire. Engine 1-2 stretched a hose line to the rear porch and found a small fire that was partially extinguished.

Engine 1-2, along with Engine 22 and Rescue Engine 4, overhauled the area to ensure the fire had not spread beyond its original location. Engine 33-3 stood by at the hydrant, and Engine 7-2 maintained the Rapid Intervention Team at the front of the building. The fire was determined to be accidental.

Deputy Chief 1 held the South Washington Street Command. Units remained on scene for approximately 30 minutes before being released.