MOUNT CARMEL, PA - On Sunday, March 15th at 8:16 p.m., a Box Alarm was transmitted for the 100 block of South Spruce Street in Mount Carmel for a reported commercial structure fire at the former Columbia Building Supply property in Northumberland County.

Chief officers arrived to find a large commercial building with heavy fire showing and rapidly escalating conditions. A working fire was quickly transmitted, followed by multiple additional alarms, including tankers, as the fire spread throughout the structure.

Due to the size of the building, tanker task forces were requested, establishing a rural water shuttle operation to help supply master streams. Crews deployed multiple handlines and set up ladder pipes and portable monitors as operations shifted defensively.

Approximately 30 minutes into the incident, a partial structural collapse occurred, prompting the evacuation of any operating crews and reinforcing a full defensive strategy.

Fireground operations focused on exposure protection, preventing extension to nearby homes and buildings. Utilities were secured, and power was shut down in the surrounding area for firefighter safety.

Mutual aid companies from across Northumberland County and surrounding counties responded, with crews operating for several hours to bring the fire under control and continue overhaul operations.

Units remained on scene until approximately 9:00 a.m. the following morning. No injuries have been reported, and the fire is currently under investigation.