Engine 22 Responds to Apartment Fire

On Tuesday afternoon in Littlestown, a former barn that had been converted into two apartments was consumed by fire, as reported by Alpha Fire Chief Scott Small. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but eight residents had to be evacuated from the 2-½-story building located at 218 M St. The structure was deemed a "complete loss" after the roof and second floor collapsed during the fire.

Firefighters received the call at 1:42 p.m. and remained at the scene for over six hours. They were subsequently called back three times due to debris rekindling, occurring between midnight and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Small.

The fire was somewhat contained by the building's tin exterior walls, which also helped safeguard nearby structures. A neighboring house, which was only inches away, appeared to have escaped damage, thanks to its old-fashioned asbestos siding. The house on the other side, approximately 12 feet away, suffered limited damage, primarily peeling paint and melted plastic window components.

The direction of the breeze through the structure was also advantageous, as it helped disperse smoke. When smoke infiltrated the first-floor apartment, three siblings sought refuge at their mother's nearby workplace. Meanwhile, upstairs, three children and a woman cooking in the apartment evacuated safely.

The displaced residents received assistance from the Adams County Red Cross. While a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was present at the scene, the cause of the fire is expected to remain "undetermined" due to the extensive damage.

Small, who resides a block away from the fire site, received the call shortly after returning from vacation, having been home for no more than 10 minutes.