FNN Article © Saturday, January 10, 2026. Fire images by Crary Hose Company © Jan. 7, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
WESTFIELD, PA – On Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026, a barn fire was reported at 155 Potter Brook Road in Westfield Township just before 11:00 PM.
Fire crews from Crary Hose Company of Westfield, Harrison Valley Fire Department, Clymer Hose Company, Elkland Volunteer Fire Department RIT (Rapid Intervention Team), and an ambulance from Sabinsville, PA, were first to be dispatched to the growing fire.
An individual called 911 and reported that a large barn was on fire and flames were showing through the roof. It was also stated there were several exposures at risk and a camper was also on fire at that time.
Early reports to the 911 Dispatch Center even indicated that there were pigs inside the barn. That information was later confirmed by Crary Hose Fire Chief that two pigs died in the fire.
Images by Crary Hose Company © Jan. 7, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
When Crary Hose Fire Chief William Goltz arrived on-scene around 11:07 PM he reported the the barn had collapsed and that two campers were fully involved. There was also other vehicles on fire and multiple exposures that had been evacuated. Flames had spread to one house and the fire was moving towards another home. Additional tankers were immediately requested from Chatham, Knoxville, and Middlebury Center, as well as a full response from Ulysses Fire Department. Although a tanker from Wellsboro was requested it was recalled a short time later, as they were not needed at the scene.
The main goal at that time was to protect the homes/buildings from the nearby fires and keep control of the blaze so it did not continue to spread as fire apparatus started arriving on scene shortly after 11:10 PM.
As additional fire units were arriving on scene information was reported that there was a truck carrying radio active material was reported on fire. Within minutes it was noted that the truck was not involved and it was now out of harms way for everyone on scene fighting the fire. There was no radio active leak due to the fire as confirmed with specialized equipment on hand by fire command.
Images by Crary Hose Company © Jan. 7, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
According to Chief Goltz, the attack on the barn fire started around 11:12 PM with the barn having already collapsed. Water supply was provided via tanker relay to a drop tank, with Harrison Valley firefighters drafting from the drop tank and relaying to Crary Hose Engine 5-3 and other units. A fill site at a hydrant near the local elementary school was set up by Chatham Fire Department firefighters who filled the empty tankers and kept a constant water supply throughout the incident.
The fire was reported contained within a half hour around 11:30 PM and it was listed under control by 11:36 PM. Also at that time, Westfield Command requested that those fire units still responding to come in at a reduced speed.
Middlebury, Genesee and Wellsville, NY fire departments were dispatched to stand-by assignments at Harrison Valley Fire Department, Crary Hose Fired Company and, Genesee Fire Department.
One female victim at the fire was having difficulty breathing and she was transported to UPMC Wellsboro Hospital for smoke inhalation by the ambulance team out of Sabinsville. According to Chief Goltz, that female had been released after being treated at the hospital.
By 11:50 PM overhaul was in progress by firefighters.
Several units were able to start heading back to their stations around 12:25 AM. Westfield Command started breaking down around 12:48 AM, as additional fire units headed out. A Penelec representative finally arrived on scene around 1:42 AM, as they were requested to shut down power at that location when fire personnel first arrived on scene.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was requested to the scene and once he arrived, both him, Chief Goltz, along with 2nd Assistance Chief Marty Heyler, assisted with the investigation. At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined.
The house did suffer damage. Over $300,000 in damages were caused due to the fire.
By 2:00 AM the remaining Crary Hose Company units and personnel still on scene were cleared to return to their station after a job well done.
As usual Chief Goltz expressed his thanks to all the fire departments for their assistance.
Property records show that B. Chapman is the owner of the property where the fire occurred.
Images by Crary Hose Company © Jan. 7, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge). Remember to support your local fire and ambulance (EMS) departments in 2026.
