Crews from across Centre County battle second-alarm barn fire in Penns Valley
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- Fire crews from two counties battled a second-alarm barn fire in Miles Township.
- Chief Eric Miller cited electrical issues as the likely cause of the total loss.
- Record heat prompted increased staffing and community support during response.
Crews from across Centre and Union counties gathered in Miles Township Monday morning to fight a second-alarm fire that ravaged a barn.
First responders were called to the 200 block of View Drive just before 6:30 a.m. for reports of a fully involved fire, according to dispatch reports.
Miles Township Fire Company Chief Eric Miller said his crew returned from fighting the fire just before noon.
While no one was injured, and no people or animals were displaced, Miller described the barn as a “total loss.” He also told the CDT that he believes the fire was started accidentally by an electrical issue inside the barn.
In addition to Miles Township, Millheim, Mifflinburg, Gregg, Centre Hall, Walker, Boalsburg, Pleasant Gap, Alpha fire companies were among those called to the scene.
Monday’s barn fire marks the second recent serious fire in the area. A week ago, a Miles Township home was destroyed in a fast-moving fire that left a family of five displaced. Since then, a GoFundMe started for the family has raised nearly $19,000.
In both situations, the heat has remained an issue, with Miller saying more crews than usual were called in due to the high temperatures.
“Thankfully though, we’ve had a great amount of support from the community — people have been bringing us waters and stuff to cool down with, and we’re greatly appreciative of that,” he said.
This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 7:54 AM.