The home of Ethan Crist and his landscaping business, Cutting Edge, was destroyed in a two-alarm blaze on Sunday morning in Jersey Shore. The fire, which started around 7:10 a.m., caused smoke to drift east for several miles, with residents in the Newberry neighborhood even able to smell it.
Fortunately, Crist was not home at the time of the fire, as he was out running errands. Family members rushed to the scene, fearing he may have been trapped inside. However, Crist arrived to find firefighters already battling the blaze.
Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Mitchell directed operations as firefighters initially attempted an interior attack but were forced out by the intense flames. The second floor of the building soon collapsed, leading to a more defensive approach to fighting the fire.
Volunteer firefighters from Lycoming and Clinton Counties responded to the scene and were able to bring the fire under control by 8:40 a.m. A state police fire marshal will be assisting in the investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Despite the destruction of his home and business, Crist was grateful that no one was injured in the incident. The community has come together to support him during this difficult time.
