LEWISTOWN, Pennsylvania — Elizabeth Ann Sieber, a 50‑year‑old resident of Lewistown, died Friday afternoon after a house fire tore through her home on the 200 block of East Third Street, according to the Mifflin County Coroner’s Office. Authorities confirmed the blaze began just after 1:15 p.m. and quickly grew into a four‑alarm fire that shook the tight‑knit community.
Fire crews from across the county raced to the scene as heavy flames and thick smoke poured from the two‑story house. Neighbors watched in shock as first responders battled the blaze, their hoses spraying into the sky and ladders extended against the burning walls. The fire was intense enough that nearby homes and a church suffered damage from heat and falling debris.
When firefighters entered the home, they found Ms. Sieber in distress and carried her out. She was taken to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office ruled her death accidental, the result of smoke inhalation from the fire.
At least one other person was inside the home when the fire broke out. A man managed to escape on his own but was later hospitalized with severe burns. As of the latest reports, his condition remains unclear, and fire officials have not released further details about his recovery.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Fire and law enforcement agencies are working together to piece together what sparked the deadly fire, but no conclusions have been made public yet. Officials urged residents to stay clear of the area as they combed through the smoldering remains.
Neighbors described the scene as chaotic but marked by community support. People living nearby came out to check on one another, and several offered help to the family as firefighters continued their efforts well into the afternoon. It was a stark reminder of how quickly life can change for families and neighbors alike.
In the days following the fire, local volunteers and emergency personnel have been praised for their swift response. The incident has also sparked conversations about fire safety in older homes and the importance of working smoke alarms, especially during winter months when heating systems are in heavy use.
