P/D arrived o/s to heavy fire from the 1st floor of a large SFD converted to apartments. They advised ireboard and then went into the bldg to wake the 2nd floor occupants. F/D arrived and went in svc with a 2-1/2 inch handline. There was minor extension into the 2nd floor hallway. They had 3 handlines in svc. Crews were o/s openeing up checking for extension for approx 2 hrs.
