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1 INJURED IN BLAZE THAT DESTROYED 2 BARNS, 2 SHEDS AND CLAIMED MANY ANIMALS – GOFUNDME SITE is SET UP TO HELP FAMILY & A SPAGHETTI DINNER BENEFIT SCHEDULED FOR MARCH

FNN Article © Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Fire images from scheduled benefits (Links to assist the family provided to FNN. Links in article below).

MANSFIELD, PA. — Late Wednesday evening, February 15, 2023, firefighters from Mansfield Hose Company, as well as EMS crews and fire units from Blossburg Fire Department responded around 10:55 PM to a reported barn fire at the Lehman/Brooks residence located at 719 Wood Road in Richmond Township.

One large barn approximately 50×50 in size and a second barn approximately 30×40 were both well involved before fire personnel even arrived on scene.

Mansfield fire personnel were on scene by 11:01 PM and immediately a 2nd and 3rd alarm was requested as winds fueled the flames, putting other buildings at risk of catching fire.

According to Mansfield Fire Chief, Jim Welch, fire crews from Mansfield, Blossburg, Wellsboro, Big Elm (out of Daggett, PA), Millerton, Tioga, Lawrenceville, Liberty, Lindley (out of NY), and Troy assisted in battling the burning barns and sheds. Other fire departments provided stand-by coverage.

The fire was so intense that it lit up the night sky and the orange glow could be seen from a few miles away, according to residents. Embers continuously blew in the wind creating a hazard for other fires to be started.

By 11:12 PM the main barn, where the fire had started, collapsed, while the second barn was reported to have partially collapsed at that time, sending more embers hundreds of feet into the night sky.

A water fill site was set up on the Kellytown Road at a large pond area, so tankers could refill with water and head back to the fire scene.

Firefighters worked hard to fight the flames and bring the fire under control. The fire was brought under control around 1:22 AM.

Several fire units were able to head back to their stations around 2:12 AM. As other crews continued to work at extinguishing the flames.

The last fire units were cleared from the scene around 3:00 AM. However, by 4:00 AM the winds fueled some hot embers and soon Mansfield Hose Company crews headed back out to the Lehman residence to deal with a rekindle of the flames that claimed the family’s two barns and two sheds. It is unknown how long fire crews remained on scene for the rekindle.

Fire Chief Welch noted that a number and variety of animals were lost in the fast moving fire. Those animals lost included over 30 goats, dozens of chickens, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs, and rabbits, some of which were show animals. Many of the animals the children cared for and raised as they were involved in 4H. The kids lost everything, from their animals they bred, to the items they needed to care and showcase their animals. FNN was told that the family did not have insurance.

One female resident suffered burns to her back while trying to rescue animals. The woman was transported by Mansfield Ambulance to UPMC Wellsboro Hospital for treatment. It was later reported that the burn victim was sent onward to Lehigh Valley Burn Center in Allentown to receive treatment for 3rd degree burns.

FNN was told by a friend of the family, that two goats were rescued that evening.

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was on scene the following morning investigating the cause of the fire. Often with fires as extensive as this one, finding a cause is most unlikely.

A Spaghetti Dinner Benefit has been set for the Lehman and Brooks family for Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. Please visit the following page event for more details; https://www.facebook.com/events/946490200053035 . Also a GoFundMe link has been set up so those wishing to help. One can donate any amount they wish to the family. Just click the following link to help; https://www.gofundme.com/…/tragic-loss-of-farm-and… .

* Article #312 in 2023.