Fire Destroys Restaurant and Inn

Risk Logic Inc. (RLI) is a consulting engineering company that provides Loss Prevention Services. Since 1997, we have been working in regions all over the world utilizing the most advanced and current standards.

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January 26th, 2023

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

On the morning of January 10th, troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police-Lancaster and the Strasburg Fire Department responded to a fire at Hershey Farms Restaurant and Inn. Built in 1975, Hershey Farms Restaurant and Inn is a long-time popular tourist attraction in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. The Restaurant and Inn is now a total loss with millions of dollars of estimated damage.

Image: fire destroys restaurant and inn,

The first responders to the fire encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions. The facility was closed at the time and only occupied by employees who evacuated safely.

The fire upgraded to a second-alarm blaze and 24 fire departments responded to the scene. Fire crews spent hours on Tuesday battling the blaze.

Image: Restaurant and Inn prior to being destroyed.
Image: fire destroys restaurant and inn,

The Pennsylvania State Police fire marshals conducted a preliminary fire investigation. Investigators declared the fire accidental. One of the owners said an employee was working on the business’s roof when the glue he was using caught fire. Roofing adhesives are often ignitable and require careful handling. It was not indicated that Hot Work was involved, but it is very common that roof repairs / installations involve heating or welding that could have ignited the roofing adhesive or a combustible substrate/surface below. The fire started above the restaurant portion of the building, then spread to the gift shop and offices. Where the restaurant once stood, piles of rubble now remain.

Image: fire destroys restaurant and inn,

The owners say they hope to rebuild. They are working with their insurance company to figure out what is next for the property, the business, and their employees.

Hot Work is a leading cause of fires at industrial and commercial facilities. Risk Logic engineers can review the Hot Work procedures at your facility to check for compliance with NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work. Risk Logic engineers provide sample Hot Work permits and guidelines during our property loss prevention surveys. Contact Risk Logic to arranged for a detailed Property Risk Inspection at your facility.