Centre County fire crews respond to 2-alarm blaze near Centre Hall. What we know
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- Two-alarm basement fire extensively damaged a three-bedroom home near Route 144.
- Nearly a dozen mutual-aid departments and tankers responded to fight flames and hot spots.
- No people or pets injured; cause under investigation and Red Cross notified.
A three-bedroom home near Centre Hall was significantly damaged Saturday morning after a two-alarm fire that started in the finished basement. No people or pets were injured, according to an official.
Nearly a dozen surrounding fire departments responded to the blaze in the 100 block of Greens Valley Road, located just a few hundred yards from Route 144, with Pleasant Gap Fire Company’s Chief Robert Silvis taking command.
Spring Township’s Greens Valley Road, much of which still lies in the Bellefonte Area School District, was partially closed for more than two hours while fire trucks and tankers lined the street. Any visible flames were extinguished within an hour, largely leaving only minor and precautionary work.
The fire did not spread to any neighboring homes or property, and most fire companies had left by 10:30 a.m.
“Within the hour, we had it pretty well under control and were just hitting hot spots at that point,” Silvis told the CDT.
According to both Silvis and public emergency services information, fire crews responded around 8 a.m. Saturday with Silvis calling for more help before even reaching the fire — because other firefighters had earlier alerted him to the blaze and because he knew there wasn’t a nearby hydrant. He also knew tankers, which haul water, were necessary.
“Once we confirm it is a working fire, I’d rather have more response to send away than have to wait for additional units to come,” Silvis added.
By the time fire departments began to leave, a large portion of the home’s exterior was charred black and windows had been broken for ventilation purposes. Silvis said he couldn’t speak on whether insurance would count the home as a total loss, but he said the interior suffered extensive smoke and fire damage. A lot was visibly concentrated to one side of the home.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known and remains under investigation. The Red Cross was also notified for assistance.
Among the fire departments responding to Saturday’s blaze were Alpha Fire Company, Boalsburg Fire Company, Centre Hall Fire Company, Gregg Township Fire Company, Howard Fire Company, Logan Fire Company, Miles Township Fire Company, Millheim Fire Company, Pleasant Gap Fire Company, Undine Fire Company and Walker Township Fire Company. Also responding were Bellefonte EMS and Pleasant Gap EMS.
“The Pleasant Gap Fire Company is grateful for the surrounding mutual-aid fire companies that were to assist and help us,” Silvis said.
This story was originally published March 7, 2026 at 12:37 PM.
