05/01/2026
Fatal Apartment Fire Under Investigation in Millersville
May 1, 2026 – Millersville, PA - At approximately 8:49 p.m. Thursday evening, Blue Rock Fire Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at Spring Manor apartments, 710 Millersville Road. While responding, emergency crews received multiple additional reports, including information that occupants were potentially trapped inside the building.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions on the second floor, with flames visible from both the front and rear of the multi-unit apartment building, as well as shooting through the roof. Crews immediately made entry to conduct an aggressive initial search and continued searching extensively inside the building until further roof collapse due to intense fire conditions.
Due to the collapse of the roof and worsening fire, crews were ordered to evacuate the building. After the fire was brought under control and the structure was deemed safe to reenter, emergency personnel located the body of a 41-year-old female resident inside an apartment, buried beneath significant roof and other debris. Investigators believe the fire originated in her apartment, which showed the heaviest fire involvement upon arrival. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death. The person’s name has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Firefighters worked for more than an hour to extinguish the blaze and successfully contained the fire to eight apartments within the 12-unit building in the large apartment complex. Crews remained on the scene until approximately 1:40 a.m. Friday morning making sure the fire was out and and assisting with the investigation. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.
As a result of the fire, 15 residents from seven apartment units were displaced.
“Crews encountered unbelievable conditions upon arriving at this apartment complex,” said Duane Hagelgans, Fire Commissioner. “In addition to heavy fire coming from the front and through the roof, firefighters had difficulty establishing a water supply because hydrants were located across the roadway, and vehicles were driving over active fire hoses. The coordination, professionalism and teamwork shown by all responding crews prevented additional injuries and further damage.”
More than 60 firefighters responded to the incident. Blue Rock Fire Rescue was assisted by:
Manheim Township Fire Rescue
Lancaster Township Fire Company
Lancaster City Bureau of Fire
Rohrerstown Fire Company
New Danville Fire Company
Iron Ridge Fire Rescue
Columbia Fire Company
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” Hagelgans added. “I also want to thank every first responder who worked tirelessly on this incident.”
The fire remains under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and the Manor Township Police Department.
