On July 4th 1900, the borough of East Prospect experienced a major fire that caused $50,000 estimated damages. This was a lot of money in those days. The fire was discovered at approximately 12:30 PM and brought under control around 3:30 PM the same afternoon. During this time a severe thunderstorm helped to extinguish a major part of the fires and cool remaining hot embers.
The Borough’s residences fought in vain to try to contain this raging fire. Neighbors as far as Wrightsville assisted them. The East Prospect Band members were playing in Lancaster County for the July 4th celebration thus limiting the number of town folks available to fight the fire. Remember, this was 1900 and there were nor motorcars then.
Since there was no Fire Company at that time, the Fire Company would officially form almost 20 years later, the population and to band together to help one another. The residents used bucket brigades and pumped water from local wells and cisterns.
The temperature that day was reported to have been 99? in York City and several people suffered from heat, including towns folks U. S. Wallick, Chester Hanigan and George Gilbert.
The fire is believed to have started in the chimney area of the E. J. Sitler Store and house, which was located where the Outlet Store is located today. It is believed that a lightning strike or firecracker started the blaze.
The fire then spread East along Maple Street towards South Main Street destroying everything in its’ path. Once the fire reached South Main Street, it crossed over the road destroying two home that were located next to what is now the East Prospect State Bank. It also destroyed the towns School House, which was located South of the alley between Ridge and Princess Avenues, across the parking lot from the current Post Office.
Fire Losses were reported to be as follows:

5. J. Sitler Store and home $10,000
6. R. Wallace home and stable $ 1,000
7. F. Bird Stable $ 1,000

100. W. Heim Stable and wagons $ 1,800
William Helder Undertaker Home $10,000
This includes Furniture Store, 45 Coffins, Feed and Hay

101. W. Gohn Residence owned by Helder $ 1,200
102. A. Ferree Stable and Out Buildings $ 500
Dr. Barnard Shirey Stable and Outbuildings $ 500
Daniel Myers Stable and Outbuildings $ 150

103. L. Doll Home and Store Room $ 1,200
104. V. Terry Home and Contents $ 200
Robert E. Olewiler Home $ 1,000
Oscar Burg Home Unknown Loss

105. W. Gohn Home and Store $ 8,000
East Prospect School House $ 1,500
Benjamin Emenheiser Home $ 800

Also lost in the fire were 70-75 cases of cigars.
Total Fire Loss was in excess of $40,000

This loss is as valued in 1900
It is possible that had the storm not occurred, the entire town of East Prospect with a population of 292 could have been destroyed in this fire.

Today, the East Prospect Volunteer Fire Company, formed in 1907, protects the East Prospect Borough and surrounding areas. With over 25 active members having hundreds of hours of training each year in Fire Fighting, Vehicle and other types of Rescues and Emergency Medical treatment. We serve the community with special equipment designed to help us help protect lives and property.