Last night at 9:35 p

 
By Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company #1
January 7, 2026
 

m., the Morris Twp. Fire Company was alerted to assist the Philipsburg Fire Department with a potential working fire. Reports indicated that a neighbor saw flames coming from a shed next to a residence.

As Quint 17 and Engine Tanker 17 responded, an off-duty medic arrived and informed the County that the property owner had a fire container inside a fire pit. All units were then made available.

Later that night, Company 17 was again alerted to a separate structure fire off Shawville Frenchville Hwy near Deer Creek Rd.

As Quint 17, Engine Tanker 17, and Command 17 responded, Deputy 21 arrived to find a fully involved structure with limited access.

The structure was about 1,500 feet up a steep, icy driveway. Due to these conditions, no engines could access the scene, prompting Girard Township to send a plow truck. Additionally, Brush Tankers from Winburne Fire Company Number On Winburne Fire Company Number One and Snow Shoe Fire Company were requested to the scene. Before their arrival, a brush truck from Grassflat Volunteer Fire Company was able to reach the scene; however, it encountered three propane tanks weighing 420 lbs / 120 gallons each, which were heated enough to activate the pressure relief valves and release propane vapors.

To ensure everyone's safety, crews decided to let all three tanks self-release pressure before entering the structure.