March 13, 2026 — The Blandon Fire Department responded earlier in the day to assist Kutztown Fire & Rescue during a structure fire, operating on scene as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

Rapid Intervention Teams are specially assigned crews whose primary role is to stand by and be ready to assist firefighters working inside hazardous environments. Their responsibility is to provide immediate rescue if a firefighter becomes trapped, injured, or encounters difficulties during interior operations.

During the incident, Blandon firefighters staged on scene while suppression crews worked to control the fire and manage the heavily damaged structure. The building sustained significant fire damage, with portions of the structure partially collapsed as firefighters continued suppression and overhaul operations.

Mutual aid responses such as this highlight the close cooperation between neighboring departments, ensuring additional safety and support for crews operating in dangerous fire conditions.