On Tuesday, February 10, at 0403 hours Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and County Car 7 were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at the house in front of the Northern Family Motel on State Highway 56 north. Central Dispatch also reported that the occupants were still in the house. Engine 80 (J. Robar) was out of service at 0407 hours with Tanker 100 (J. Keleher), and Rescue 14 (R. Robar) responding shortly after. Engine 48 (J. Corbett) responded to Lowe's to fill tankers at the hydrant. At 0408 hours 1st Assistant Chief David McGregor requested tankers from Norwood Fire, West Potsdam Fire, and West Stockholm Fire with manpower from West Potsdam Fire. Norfolk Fire was also requested for tankers, and Parishville Fire stood by at Potsdam Station. Chief Justin Perry arrived on scene at 0409 hours reporting a "two story wood frame dwelling with heavy flame showing in the attic area". Central Dispatch advised that all occupants had now exited the residence.
Firefighters stretched multiple attack lines off Engine 80, using large caliber hoses to knock down the heavy volume of fire that was making entry into the structure difficult. A tanker shuttle was established with the dump site set up on State Highway 56 to feed Engine 80 with large diameter hose. County Car 7 served as the Water Supply Officer. Firefighters continued to battle the well advanced fire, eventually moving to an exterior operation due to structural instability. Once the fire was knocked down firefighters performed overhaul and salvage operations and assisted members of the St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team in their investigation. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 1008 hours.