At approximately 6:40pm on Friday, December 30 2022, alarms sounded and crews were dispatched to a report of a building fire at 740 W Water Street in Bellefonte. Captain 2-1, Malachi Moyer, responded to the scene with the report of heavy fire on the backside of the burn house and 15 feet of fire coming from the windows. 740 W Water Street along with the neighboring houses had fire damage as well due to being in close proximity of the burn house. One home had fire spread into the attic of the home, while the home on the opposite side of the burn house had siding damage from the excessive heat. Moyer reported that once water supply was consistent, crews were able to make a significant impact on the fire attack and the main body of the fire was under control in about an hour and a half. No injuries were reported over the duration of the incident.

Numerous fire companies from the surrounding area also responded to the call to assist the Bellefonte Fire Department. Crews from Logan, Undine, Boalsburg, Pleasant Gap, Centre Hall, Alpha, Milesburg, Howard, and Miles Township fire companies responded to the scene to assist with manpower, water supply, and additional cascade. Port Matilda, Lock Haven, Lewistown United Fire & Rescue, and Dunnstown fire companies all transferred into the borough for standby at Station 1 & 2 while crews remained on the scene of the incident. Bellefonte PD and Spring Township PD also reported to the scene to assist, and Bellefonte EMS responded to provide medical assistance and rehab services for the firefighters going interior.

Huge thank you to Sheetz, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dominos, and Pizza Mia for their donation of food for crews that responded to the scene following the fire. Thank you to other Water Street residents who provided chairs, drinks, and facilities to firefighters on scene. The support that we receive from our community members and local businesses is incredible and very much appreciated.