Operations & Training

Watch: Five Jump from Window to Escape Fire in Lancaster, PA

Aug. 27, 2024

Lancaster Fire Chief Todd Hutchinson said residents spotted the flames and decided they had no other choice but jump.

When fire broke out in a grocery store below, five people jumped from a window to escape.

Lancaster Fire Chief Todd Hutchinson told WGAL the residents heard a smoke alarm, saw the flames, and realized they had no choice but to jump.

"We did have five people trapped in the home. They heard the alarm, went to investigate, opened the door and had fire on exterior of the building. So, they shut the door and they were unable to escape so they jumped out the front window."

All were transported but no one was seriously injured, the chief said.

The cause remains under investigation.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.