On Wednesday February 7, 2024, at 0611hours, the City of York Department of Fire/Rescue Services was dispatched to 47 Columbia Ave. for a structure fire. Upon arrival there was heavy fire showing from the first, second, and third floors of 47 extending into 49 Columbia Ave. Crews were advised of multiple civilians trapped in 47 from bystanders. In spite of an aggressive interior attack and search, a male and two female residents were found deceased on the third floor in the home by fire department personnel. Two City firefighters received minor injuries during the event.
The fire investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals, York City Police Detectives, and York City Fire, determined the cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature due to an overloaded circuit which started on the first floor.
It was also determined that there were no working smoke detectors in the building to alert the residents.
