Township of Spring, Pa. — October 23 —Early Thursday afternoon, Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services (TSFRS) Engine 85 went to help at the Berkshire Mall in Wyomissing Borough. They responded to a report of a fire in the former Sears store.

Initial reports from Berks County Communications mentioned smoke coming from an air conditioning unit and a room filled with smoke. Wyomissing Ladder 79 was first on the scene. They reported a two-story commercial building with normal conditions outside and started looking inside. Later, command was handed over to TSFRS Chief 85, who designated the highway side as Side A.

Engine 85 secured a water supply by stretching a 5-inch line to a nearby yard hydrant. Crews from Ladder 79 and Engine 85 began a coordinated search, locating a light odor of smoke on both floors. Western Berks Ladder 18 and West Reading Engine 64 were assigned to assist with upper-floor operations.

The source was quickly traced to a malfunctioning HVAC unit in a mechanical room. Mall maintenance personnel arrived and powered down the system, resolving the issue. Command declared the situation under control shortly after, releasing all companies except L79, E85, and E64 to complete final checks.