Just before 5:30 on Monday February 14, 2022 a working fire with possible entrapment was dispatched for Main Street in Ringtown. Units quickly confirmed a working fire and a second alarm was struck. The blaze eventually went to 4 alarms with additional alarms for tankers being stuck as well. The fire completely destroyed several buildings including Rentschler’s ice cream shop, grocery store and an apartment building. Control of the fire was marked around 1030hrs with operations continued into early afternoon to ensure all hotspots were out.
Firefighters also had to contend with single digit temperatures (7F) and rural water supply that needed to be supplemented with a tanker task force (15 tanker/tenders). Units from Carbon, Columbia, Northumberland and Schuylkill counties fought this blaze.

The American Red Cross, one victim, who escaped the blaze and one cat who was rescued from the fire while a 2nd cat is still missing at this time.

This incident is being investigated by a State Police Fire Marshal.