On Tuesday December 13, 2005 at 10:51 pm, Firefighters from Adams and York counties were dispatched to a house fire on the York, Adams county line.
East Berlin Fire department first on scene reported heavy smoke with fire in the walls. East Berlin Fire Chief (Chief 112) quickly called for a second alarm and eventually a third alarm for tankers.
This would be one of those nights where mother nature would throw everything she had at us. First the temperature over night dipped to minus four degrees but the ground was not frozen at the normal dry hydrant and pond locations.
Several first alarm engines got stuck in the mud trying to attain a draft to fill tankers and the first tanker got stuck at the end of the lane effectively shutting down the first portable pond that was set up.
Water was finally hauled in from East Berlin Boro approximately 5 miles away.
Dillsburg Fire Department was able to drive their ladder truck back through a field to set up an aerial master stream but with water problems they were not able to maintain an effective stream.
The fire was fought with two portable master streams and two 1 3/4" hand lines.
The fire appeared to start near a wood stove but at this time is still under investigation.
The house was total loss and the family was displaced and is staying with family members.
The box was placed in service around 4:50 am.
Units on scene included East Berlin Company 11, Franklin Town Station. 65, Dover Township Station 9, Union Fire & Hose of Dover Station 6, Lake Mead Company 26, Hampton Company 10, Abbottstown Company 24, Dillsburg Station 64, Wellsville Station 66, and several other companies supplied tankers.
