CLEARFIELD: Quick action by police officers and firefighters prevented what could have been a tragic outcome during an overnight house fire in Clearfield Borough early Wednesday morning.

At approximately 12:40 AM, Clearfield County 911 dispatched the Clearfield Fire Department and multiple mutual aid companies to a reported dwelling fire along East 7th Street. The call quickly escalated after Chief 1 arrived on scene and confirmed a working structure fire.

Based on conditions at the residence and reports of possible occupants still inside, command upgraded the response to a second alarm with entrapment. As firefighters prepared for suppression and rescue operations, officers from the Clearfield Regional Police Department took immediate action.

According to officials, Sgt. Walker and Officers Kahley, Fye, and Lash made entry into the home, waking the family and safely evacuating all occupants before the fire could worsen. Their decisive and heroic actions ensured that everyone escaped the residence without reported injuries.

Fire crews worked swiftly to contain the blaze, bringing the fire under control by approximately 1:07 AM. All responding units were later cleared from the scene.

Mutual Aid Response

Several neighboring fire departments assisted Clearfield firefighters during the incident, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation during emergencies. Mutual aid was provided by:

• Lawrence Township Fire Company No. 1
• Hyde Fire Department
• Ramey, Houtzdale & Lumber City Fire Company
• Grampian Fire Company
• Bigler-Jackson-Woodland Fire Company
• Morris Township Fire Company
• Houtzdale-Ramey Fire Company

Clearfield Fire Department officials expressed appreciation for the rapid response of all agencies involved, particularly the police officers whose actions directly led to the safe evacuation of the family.

The cause of the fire has not been released, and damage estimates were not immediately available.

Photos included with this story are courtesy of the Clearfield Fire Dept. Facebook page.

A statement from Mayor Mason Strouse, Clearfield Borough Council, and Clearfield Borough Staff

Early this morning, at approximately 12:40 AM, Clearfield County 911 dispatched the Clearfield Fire Department and mutual aid companies to a reported dwelling fire on East 7th Street in Clearfield Borough. Upon arrival, Chief 1 confirmed a working fire and upgraded the response to a second alarm with reported entrapment. At that time, officers of the Clearfield Regional Police Department were actively engaged in evacuating occupants from the residence.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 1:07 AM, and all responding units have since cleared the scene.

Mayor Mason Strouse, in partnership with Clearfield Borough Council and Clearfield Borough Staff, formally recognizes the actions of Sergeant Walker, Officer Kahley, Officer Fye, and Officer Lash of the Clearfield Regional Police Department. These officers made entry into the residence, alerted the occupants, and safely evacuated all individuals from the structure. Their professionalism, decisiveness, and courage under dangerous conditions reflect the highest standards of public service.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Clearfield Fire Department and the following mutual aid companies for their prompt, coordinated, and effective response:

Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 (Station 5)

Hyde Fire Department (Station 6)

Rescue Hose & Ladder Co. (Station 8)

Grampian Penn Bloom Vol. Fire Company (Station 9)

BJW Volunteer Fire Company (Station 16)

Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 (Station 17)

Houtzdale-Ramey Fire Company (Station 34)

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family affected by this incident. It is our understanding that donations of clothing, food, and other necessities are being accepted through various channels to assist those impacted. Clearfield has long been a community that comes together in times of need, and we are confident that residents will continue to support one another with compassion and generosity. We extend our appreciation to all those who are assisting the family as they work to overcome the challenges resulting from this incident.

Our first responders—many of whom serve as volunteers—routinely place themselves in harm’s way in service to the residents of Clearfield Borough. On this occasion, their actions exemplified exceptional dedication and commitment to public safety and are deserving of formal recognition.