At 10:38 hrs FDNY Bronx Box 4476 sounded for 1600 blk Tillotson Ave reporting a fire in a private dwelling.  Engine 63 along with Battalion 15 responded 1st due.  While in route to the box, the Bronx advised the 15th Battalion that they were receiving numerous phone calls for fire.  B.C. Cartica quickly requested an extra engine and truck for FDNY Bronx Box 4476.  Engine 38 normally 1st due to that box was out of service.  Engine 63 only a few blocks from the fire scene was advised by the Bronx that E-38 was now back in service and responding.  E-38 arrived seconds before E-63 and transmitted the 10-75 (working fire). Battalion 15 arrived and by orders of Chief Cartica, the all-hands was transmitted.  Engine 38 and Engine 63 both placed hand-lines into service and started the fire attack.  Engine 38 advised that they lost water, at which time BC Cartica asked E-63 to pull out of the fire building and to quickly darken the fire down from the outside.  The large body of fire was knocked down permitting E-38 to continue there advance.  A total of 3 hand-lines were stretched all of which operated.   All searches came back negative and the fire was placed under control by Battalion Chief Cartica, Battalion 15.