Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania leads nation in fire deaths as 2026 toll climbs past 30 after deadly weekend
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania once again is leading the nation in fire-related deaths, and a deadly weekend across the commonwealth has pushed the toll to at least 32 so far this year.
Last month, preliminary data from the U.S. Fire Administration showed Pennsylvania already had recorded 26 civilian fire deaths — more than any other state at the time, outpacing larger states such as Texas and New York.
In the weeks since, fatal fires have continued at a steady and troubling pace.
Over the weekend alone, at least five additional people died in fires in different parts of the state, and one succumbed from injuries from a house fire several weeks ago:
A man also died from injuries following a March 14 house fire in Freeland, Luzerne County.
Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio identified the victim as Richard Leepin, 55, of Freeland.
Leepin was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m. March 27 at Lehigh Valley-Hospital-Cedar Crest.
Monday morning, Buglio said the cause of death was determined to be complications of thermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion from a house fire.
It was the second fire-related fatality handled by the coroner’s office this year, Buglio said.
‘Number one the last three years running’
The weekend deaths pushed Pennsylvania’s total past 30 before the end of March — a pace that has raised concern among fire officials and safety advocates.
The state has struggled for years with a disproportionately high number of fatal fires.
“Pennsylvania has been number one the last three years running in civilian fire death numbers in the nation,” state Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said at a House Appropriations Committee budget hearing last month.
“To me, that’s not something to be proud of.”
Pennsylvania had 131 fire deaths in 2025, and early numbers suggest 2026 could follow a similar trajectory.
Fire experts point to a combination of structural and demographic factors driving the trend.
Much of the state’s housing stock is older, particularly in legacy cities and boroughs. Older homes are more likely to have outdated wiring, aging heating systems and fewer built-in fire safety features.
In many cases, homes were not originally constructed with modern fire codes in mind.
At the same time, officials say the state’s older population can face greater challenges escaping quickly once a fire starts.
Modern fire behavior also is playing a role.
Today’s homes, filled with synthetic furnishings and open floor plans, can burn significantly faster than older homes furnished with natural materials, officials say.
Experts say fires can reach flashover conditions in a matter of minutes, leaving little time to escape.
There also is increasing attention on emerging hazards such as lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in everyday devices and can ignite under certain conditions.
Homes lack smoke alarms
Despite those evolving risks, fire officials stress that many deaths remain preventable.
Working smoke alarms are consistently cited as the single most effective tool in reducing fire fatalities.
However, officials say a significant number of deadly fires still occur in homes without functioning alarms.
National estimates for the leading cause of residential building fires show cooking fires at the top of the list.
U.S. Fire Administration
Other common issues include overloaded electrical systems, improper use of space heaters and cooking-related fires — all of which can escalate quickly without early detection.
According to the USFA, national estimates for the leading cause of residential building fires show cooking fires at the top of the list.
Fires ruled as “unintentional” or “careless” also are a leading cause, along with heating fires or those attributed to “electrical malfunction.”
The recent string of fatal fires across Pennsylvania highlights how widespread the issue remains, cutting across urban, suburban and rural communities.
Fire officials continue to urge residents to take basic precautions such as installing and regularly checking smoke alarms, planning escape routes and addressing potential hazards inside the home.
Through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, volunteers have worked with local fire departments and community partners to install more than 3.1 million free smoke alarms across the country.
Residents needing assistance can visit redcross.org/greaterpa for free smoke alarm installation.
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Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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