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Investigators have determined that an electrical issue sparked a large fire that displaced seven people in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, over the weekend. The fire broke out early Saturday morning (November 8) in a multi-story home on the 2100 block of Green Street, according to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline.
The fire originated in a second-floor bedroom due to an overloaded electrical outlet or extension cord. Enterline emphasized the importance of not using extension cords as permanent wiring, stating, "You can't run a lot of stuff through those." The blaze was contained to the second and third floors, but the entire house sustained significant water damage.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke, with several residents trapped on the roof. Rescuers helped two individuals off the front porch and assisted another from the first floor. Five people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and all are expected to recover.
The American Red Cross is currently assisting those displaced by the fire. No children or pets were in the home at the time of the incident.
Local21News, PennLive, and Daily Voice report that the Red Cross is providing aid to the affected individuals.