Becky Metrick
pennlive.com
(TNS)
A fire that tore into Hershey Farms Restaurant in Lancaster County on Tuesday morning has been ruled accidental, according to state police.
The fire broke out just before 11:50 a.m., at the structure at 240 Hartman Bridge Road, Strasburg Township, according to police. First responders arrived to heavy fire and smoke conditions.
The business was closed, so only employees were in the building at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate safely, police said.
The state police fire marshalls’ preliminary investigation had witness statements pointing to the fire starting in the roof of the building.
Hershey Farm owner Clair Zeager told LancasterOnline an employee was working on the business’s roof when the glue he was using caught fire. The fire then spread to the gift shop and offices.
Investigators determined that the fire was accidental, police said. The flames caused a multi-million dollar loss to the building and its contents.
Police said 24 fire departments responded to the second alarm fire to assist, and the scene was still active as of 4 p.m.
Hartman Bridge Road, Route 896, is shut down in the area.
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