CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Two people and a dog have died, including a Mount Holly Springs firefighter, after a house fire.
Crews responded to the 1500 block of Boiling Springs Road in Monroe Township around 1:30 a.m. for a reported fire.
About seven minutes after arrival, the porch roof collapsed, killing a Mount Holly Springs firefighter.
That firefighter has been identified as Jerome Guise.
Sources at the scene says Guise lives at Village Station and was a member of the department for over 20 years.
Citzen's Fire Company No. 1 released the following statement regarding Guise's death:
"The Citizen’s Fire Company No. 1 of Mount Holly Springs regrettably announces the Line-of-Duty Death of Firefighter Jerome Guise, 34. Jerome suffered fatal injuries while fighting a house fire in the 1500 block of Boiling Springs Road, Monroe Township. Jerome was a 17-year member of the department and was a live-in at the Village Fire Station in Boiling Springs. He was an all-around good and caring man as described by his brothers and sisters in the fire department and always willing to help anyone who needed assistance.
"Jerome is survived by his three young children, his mother and father and a sister.
"Fire Chief Tim Yingst as well as the members of the Citizen’s Fire Company appreciate the condolences, prayers, and support during this difficult time. We ask that you please allow the family and department time to mourn the loss. The details of the funeral arrangements are unknown at the present time and that info will be posted as it becomes available. A fund to help support the family & children has been set up at the F&M Trust Bank located at 3 East First Street Boiling Springs, PA. They can be reached at 717-241-4131.
State Trooper Megan Ammerman said this is the second death of a firefighter in the area this year.
According to the Cumberland County Coroner, Jessica Diehl, 36, also perished in the flames.
A man was sent to Lehigh Valley Burn Unit and is suffering from serious injuries, the coroner said.
A dog also died in the fire.
More than a dozen fire departments assisted at the scene as well as fire police officials and local EMS.
The State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Monday afternoon, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds in Cumberland County to fly at half-staff to honor Guise.
The commonwealth flag shall be lowered to half-staff until sunset, and again on the day of Guise's funeral, which has not yet been announced, Wolf's office said in a press release. The United States flag is to remain at full staff through this tribute.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.