Shortly before 6 am Station 6-7 was alerted to a Dwelling Fire in East Hempfield Township, just a short distance from  their station. The Com-Center was receiving numerous calls of a possible working fire. Arriving within minutes crews found a working fire in a two story dwelling.

Just as the crew from the Rescue 6-5 was setting up in the front yard, as the RIT Sector, second floor search crews radioed that they were removing two occupants out the second floor windows and onto the porch. After advising Command-the crew immediately went to work assisting with bringing the two occupants down to the ground.

Photo By LTFD DC Glenn Usdin

VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8I7nPN4lsc&playnext_from=TL&videos=sgAFGEen-QM

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Lancaster Online Article:

By CINDY STAUFFER and TOM MURSE, Lancasteronle.com

A Rohrerstown couple died this morning after a smoky, intense fire engulfed the rear of their two-story home.

Gary and Carolyn Longo died in the 6 a.m. fire at a white, frame home at 2317 Marietta Ave.

During their search for the Longos early this morning, firefighters also found something else, which led to an unusual investigation that unfolded into the afternoon.

The Longos' basement contained a significant number of pot plants and growing lights, in what police called a  marijuana-growing operation.

"It looked like it was being grown for distribution," said East Hempfield Police Sgt. Tammy Marsh.

Marsh said State Trooper Brian Herr, the fire marshal, concluded the fire was accidental, and electrical in nature.

The fire started in a rear corner of the house. Marsh did not know if the growing lights used for the pot plants contributed to the cause of the fire.

After the fire was extinguished, members of the Lancaster County Drug Task Force served a search warrant for growing materials, seeds and other evidence. Police continue to investigate the case, she said.

Rohrerstown Fire Chief Dusty Dommel said the entire back half of the house was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived shortly after 6 a.m.

Both victims were taken out of a second-floor window.

About 40 firefighters from seven fire companies responded to the fire.

Firefighters searched immediately for trapped occupants and found the man and woman.

Firefighters knocked down the heavy fire within 15 minutes of arrival, Dommel said.  The chief said there was  "zero visibility" on the second floor."

No firefighters were injured.

The home is adjacent to Crossroads Wesleyan Church, 2323 Marietta Ave.

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Photos/Articles:

http://www.wgal.com/news/24119929/detail.html

http://http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/news/24120924/detail.html