A 2nd alarm was ordered at 0014 hours bringing mutual aid to the scene from several towns.  The fire appeared to be contained at one point, but a heavy fire load on the 2nd floor continued to create problems requiring a full evacuation of the building and a 3rd alarm at 0106 hours.  Apparatus responded to the scene from as far away as Chatham, while units from as far away as Hyannis relocated for station coverage assignments for several hours.

A heavy fog condition with no wind and mild temperatures in the 40's helped the fire department in containing the fire.  Ladder pipes from Ptown L192, Wellfleet L93, and Orleans L176 operated to contain the fire along with numerous handlines.

The fire was brought under control and units began being released around 0430 hours. Cause of the fire is under investigation but considered accidental at this point.  One minor injury occurred to a fire fighter.  The building received heavy fire damage, burning away much of the roof and causing some interior structural collapses. 

Commercial Street in Provincetown is a very narrow, one way street with very extreme congestion and major exposure problems for the fire department.  In February 1998, a huge fire just down the street at 241 Commercial Street destroyed the famed Whaler's Wharf, Crown and Anchor Inn, and two other structures during one of Cape Cod's largest fire responses.