Fatal House Fire – 79 Brumbaugh Avenue

Fire Department Press Release - Around 10:40 P.M, a police officer from the Chambersburg Police Department was on patrol in the 400 block of Stouffer Avenue when they noticed smoke in the area and found a garage on fire around the 100 block of Brumbaugh Avenue. At 10:42 P.M., the Chambersburg Fire Department was alerted and the initial units arrived at 10:46 P.M. to find a one story, single family home with a well advanced house fire. Neighbors notified firefighters that there may be someone trapped in the residence. The corrected address of the incident is 79 Brumbaugh Avenue. Fire department members rapidly deployed crews for search and fire suppression efforts. While crews were engaging in initial operations, the fire conditions rapidly deteriorated and crews were evacuated from the structure. Firefighters changed tactics and re-entered through a bedroom window and isolated the room while they searched. At 10:58 P.M., a deceased victim was found in the residence. Crews were able to bring the fire under control at 11:10 P.M. There were two injuries to firefighters during the search operations. Both firefighters were evaluated on the scene and required no further treatment. Preliminary estimates of total damage are approximately $200,000.00. A total of 44 personnel were on the scene of the incident. The Companies that responded were as follows: Chambersburg Fire Department, Franklin Fire Department, Letterkenny Fire Department, New Franklin Fire Department, Marion Fire and EMS, West End Fire and Rescue, Fayetteville Fire and EMS Department, Pleasant Hall Fire Department, Penn State Health EMS, and Shippensburg Air Unit. Due to the fire being fatal, the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s office assisted with the fire investigation as well as the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. The investigation of the cause is still ongoing and no determination has been made at this time. The next of kin has been notified by the Coroner’s Office. No name or victim details will be released at this time. Crews cleared the scene at around 3:30 A.M. Photos by Brian Denham