FNN Article © Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Image by W. Darrow © March 11, 2026.
MANSFIELD, PA – A fast moving fire destroyed a Saint James Street home back on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The relentless flames claimed all the possessions of a young Mansfield University student, including, her beloved dog.
The fire was spotted by Mansfield Hose Company Fire Police, Bob Darrow, who had just returned home from work and sat down in his recliner. When he looked out his window he saw flames coming from the home directly across the street. Darrow jumped up and rushed out the door after asking his wife to call 911. Darrow ran across the street to see if anyone was home, as there was a car sitting in the driveway. As he arrived at the front door a dog could be heard barking inside. Darrow tried to gain entrance into the home but he could not find a way in as the fire rapidly grew in intensity.
Mansfield Borough Police were first to be notified by Tioga County 911 Dispatch Center, followed by the Mansfield Hose Company, which was dispatched to the fire at 2:03 PM. Pennsylvania State Police also assisted at the fire scene.
The fire was reported at 235 Saint James Street, however, that was the address of the neighbor that had reported the fire. The actual address of the fire was 234 Saint James Street.
Mansfield Borough Police followed by Mansfield ambulance 2-6 were on scene within a couple of minutes. The ambulance crew immediately reported a working structure fire and requested that Penelec and UGI be notified. A member of the ambulance crew was able to shut off the gas to the residence.
Mansfield Borough Police closed down Saint James Street at its intersection with Second Street. This allowed any arriving fire units to be able to line up along the street for better access to fight the fire.
Image of Saint James Street with Mansfield Borough Police and multiple fire crews on scene. Image by Leesa Gallagher © March 11, 2026.
It was later discovered there was no one home at the time of the fire. Sadly the dog inside the house was unable to be rescued by those arriving on scene due the extreme heat and flames that had engulfed the back section of the home.
Flames leapt into the air and black smoke rolled out from the home. The smoke from the fire could be seen from the North Hall Library at Mansfield University, as rain fell.
At 2:10 PM, a second alarm was issued as a full response was requested from Blossburg and Wellsboro Fire Departments. Also Tioga Volunteer Fire Department’s Rescue unit 7-8 was dispatched as were Fire Coordinators.
Fire personnel were able to confirm that there was no entrapment at 2:12 PM, as the college student living there had arrived on scene. The young lady was visibly shaken and devastated as she watched in disbelief and learned about the passing of her dog. Next Mansfield Command was established by 2:14 PM. At that same time, a member from the Mansfield ladder truck reported the single story residence was well involved. A number of additional fire units started arriving on scene to assist with bringing the fire under control.
A fire engine crew from Blossburg set up a water supply at a hydrant at the intersection of Second Street and Saint James Street. With several sources of water, firefighters continued to battle the house fire as they worked to keep the flames from spreading to the yellow house beside the burning home.
Firefighters had no choice but to pull back from the fire at 2:25 PM and go on a defensive attack when the back section of the home collapsed.
The fire was brought under control around 3:08 PM and shortly after 3:30 PM some of the fire units were able to start heading back to their stations.
Although the fire was reported out around 4:15 PM, firefighters remained on scene for another 25 minutes as they made sure there were no remaining hot spots as they soaked down the smoldering remains of the old home. The remaining fire crews were finally cleared from the scene at 4:40 PM.
FNN © Image #1 shows the home shortly after the fire was out. Image Image #2 by Leesa Gallagher © March 11, 2026. Image #3 provided by Amy Greene © March 11, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
The home at 234 Saint James Street was a small two bedroom home built in 1956. It was also a rental unit owned by Scott Faust, who lives right next door. Faust’s home suffered damage to the exterior due to the extreme heat from the fire next door. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to Faust’s personal home where his family lives. As for his rental property, it was a total loss. Faust was unable to answer questions about what he will do with the property in the near future, as he has never had to deal with a fire before. Either way a decision cannot be made until everything is settled with the insurance company.
Images show the destruction of the home which was a rental owned by Scott Faust. Images by Leesa Gallagher March 11, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
FNN was told a female student named Nova lost everything in this tragic fire, including her beloved dog. Nova’s dog was transported to a veterinarian clinic by Mansfield Borough Police Officer Logue. The officer kindly paid for the cremation service of the dog for the young lady who had lost so much that day.
Nova is a sister of the AST sorority in the Alpha Xi chapter at Mansfield University (CU-Mansfield). She was moved to on campus housing as she tries to adjust and continue on with her studies. If you wish to assist Nova just click on the GoFundMe link provided – https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nova-after-house-fire?attribution_id=sl:1e955ad7-38fe-4094-97b5-e08a68b76428&lang=en_US&ts=1773277309&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_ta-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward helping Nova replace her clothing, school supplies, and other essentials. They will also help her secure housing and cover basic needs as she begins to rebuild. Any support you can offer, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in Nova’s life.
Just to note, Elkland Fire Department stood by at Wellsboro to cover any upcoming incident during the fire. Also Lawrenceville stood at their station to cover any calls in Tioga during the time Tioga was assisting at the fire in Mansfield.
The cause of the fire has not been provided and it may not be known due to the extent of the damage.
If FNN receives any additional information it will be added to this article.
