FNN Article © Thursday, November 20, 2025.
RUTLAND TOWNSHIP, PA – Multiple fire companies from three counties battled a two-story house fire on Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, in Rutland Township.
Around 1:45 PM, fire crews from Mansfield Hose Company and Big Elm Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 5419 Route 549, (This address is listed as being in Columbia Cross Roads, PA, according to property records, although many claim this home is actually in Roseville, PA).
As fire units responded, it was noted that there was a dog inside the home. Mansfield fire personnel arrived on the scene by 1:50 PM, and confirmed that smoke was coming from the home. It was unknown if anyone was inside home. The firefighter stated that there was a working fire visible in the living room.
A second alarm was issued by 1:55 PM, and engines and tankers from Blossburg, Millerton, Tioga, Wellsboro, Troy, Webb Mills, and Pine City were dispatched to respond to the fire scene.
The fire was knocked down for a short period of time, as responding crews were divided up and given assignments. One group was instructed to set up a water supply along Hamilton Road. It was noted that Millerton also set up a water supply to help get water to the scene.
Flames broke out again as additional firefighters arrived on the scene, shortly after 2:00 PM.
By 2:04 PM, it was announced that Route 549 was closing down due to the fire and an active power line down in the roadway.
According to PennDOT , Route 549 was closed in both directions between Sopertown Road and Hamilton Road in Rutland Township, PennDOT was requested to assist with traffic control and redirecting traffic around the fire scene.
The fire was brought under control by 2:55PM, as firefighters continued to work aggressively as they fought to extinguish the burning 109-year-old home.
Troy fire units were released first from the scene by 3:23 PM, with the engine crew heading to Mansfield to stand by for that department.
The fire was officially reported out by 3:29 PM, with extensive mop up as firefighters checked for hot spots and started taking care of hoses and equipment. At that time, Mansfield Command requested the notification of the Fire Marshal shortly after 3:30 PM.
Pine City fire units were cleared to return to their station around 3:35 PM, Millerton fire units were cleared to return back to their stations around 3:45 PM. Wellsboro crews were released next around 3:58 PM, and Big Elm units headed home by 4:45 PM. Mansfield and all remaining units were cleared to return to their stations at 5:04 PM. A number of firefighters were on scene for over three hours from start to finish.
Route 549 was reopened to traffic shortly after 5:00 PM.
The two-story home was built in 1916 and is owned by Brandon and Katherine McMullen of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, according to property records. FNN was told the home of the family of four was a total loss,. It was also learned that Brandon McMullen is a local firefighter.
The cause of the fire has not been provided. Also it is unknown if the family’s dog was rescued or not. A request for information was sent out. If FNN receives any additional information it will be added to this article.
Fire crews from Bradford County, PA, Tioga County, PA and Chemung County, NY, assisted with this fire. Remember to support your local fire and EMS companies, they are there when you need them, be there for them.
FNN has requested that any fundraisers or donation information be shared with FNN so it can be added here, where readers can find the information and assist if they wish.
