Firefighters encountered heavy fire involving multiple adjoining commercial properties after an early-morning dispatch for a reported building fire along Erie Avenue. Renovo Fire Department was first due, with arriving personnel finding fire involving multiple structures.

The three-alarm fire occurred July 4, 2026, in Renovo Borough, Pennsylvania, near Fifth Street and Erie Avenue. Renovo Fire Chief Ted Hill established command as fire involved the adjoining properties at 504, 506 and 508 Erie Avenue. The three-story buildings were vacant and had previously been used as office space by Renovo Rail.

Citizens Hose Company No. 5 of Lock Haven responded on the first-alarm assignment with Engine 6-1 and Squad 6. According to the company's incident account, Engine 6-1 deployed a 300-foot, 1¾-inch handline for fire attack. Squad 6 personnel provided additional manpower, assisted with suppression and conducted searches of the third building.

As conditions developed, the incident was upgraded to three alarms, bringing additional apparatus and personnel from Clinton, Lycoming and Centre counties. Crews initially operated inside the structures before deteriorating conditions and structural collapse affected operations.

Water supply became a significant component of the incident. Crews established a 5-inch supply line from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and operated a six-tanker shuttle to supplement the municipal hydrant system. Local reporting indicated Ladder 29 flowed approximately 220,000 gallons from the hydrant system during the initial operation, with another 47,000 gallons used during a later flare-up.

Firefighters prevented extension into the adjoining property at 500 Erie Avenue, but the three involved properties sustained extensive damage. Borough equipment stored in a rear garage, including a bucket truck, mowers and a side-by-side, was destroyed.

Squad 6 was released at approximately 11 a.m., while Engine 6-1 remained on scene until approximately 2:30 p.m. Overall operations continued for more than 12 hours, with demolition equipment brought in to remove unstable portions of the buildings. The American Red Cross provided support to personnel operating at the scene. No injuries were reported.