Update: According to State Police, the investigation into the fatal fire that occurred on 12/12/23 is still active. A multi-day examination of the scene has concluded by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit. Evidence from the scene has been collected and submitted to our laboratory in Harrisburg and results are pending. An autopsy of the body was conducted on Friday, 12/15/23. The autopsy report and toxicology reports are also pending.
Tulpehocken Police Department has turned the fire and death investigation over to the State Police. State Police are currently looking into previous investigations from other jurisdictions as well to establish a history of the deceased. The origin of the fire is in the basement and the cause is still undetermined at this time. We are hopeful the evidence collected and pending reports will provide additional information necessary to conclude how the fire started.
The Deceased has been identified as Philip Lane.
Fire departments were dispatched at 2257 hours on 12/12/23 and arrived on scene in approximately 10 minutes. The home is an entire loss and damage is estimated to be excess of $300,000. The 2nd alarm fire brought fire crews from the Berks and Lebanon Counties and took approximately an hour to bring under control. A cat perished in the fire, but two dogs were able to escape. 2 other adults escaped without injuries and are currently displaced.
Original post: Firefighters responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Deck Road in Tulpehocken Township late Tuesday night around 11pm, following an initial dispatch reporting as an active domestic situation. Police arrived on-scene to find the one-story single-family dwelling consumed by fire.
Fire crews from Rehrerburg and neighboring departments quickly arrived at the scene, encountering heavy smoke and flames. A second alarm was issued, bringing additional resources for manpower and water supply. Unfortunately, an individual located on the first floor was found inside and pronounced dead by the Berks County Coroner’s Office.
According to authorities, the fire originated in the basement, and the cause is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit Troop L – Reading.
Two other adults escaped without injuries, and no firefighters were harmed during the operation. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
