A mechanical failure in an oil-burning furnace started a five-alarm fire Monday that caused an estimated $500,000 in damages to the former Wolfe’s on the Square building in downtown Williamsport, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said.The fire was reported at 7:18 a.m. Monday in an outbuilding that housed the furnace and the fire quickly spread through the three-story structure. One occupied apartment and the L&J discount liquor store were on the first floor of the building. Four vacant apartments were on the second and third floors. no residents or firefighters were injured, but a “mayday” distress call was made when a firefighter fell and got entangled in wires.
He was able to free himself. At least 20 engine companies and five ladder companies from Maryland and West Virginia were battling the blaze. One of the fire companies, Lewis said, came from as far away as Montgomery County (Md). Firefighters were hampered by freezing weather conditions, they had to use “brute force” to open hydrants that had frozen shut. (detailed information gathered from the heraldmail website)

Williamsport Maryland, Box 21 was struck at 07:18 for smoke in the building.
Station 2's ( Williamsport ) engine and truck arrived to find fire in multiple 3 story taxpayer type buildings at the corner of Potomac and Conococheague Streets.
A second alarm was struck (unknown time) as well as a 3rd alarm (unknown time) as well.
at 0844, the 4th alarm was struck, and eventually a 5th alarm for manpower was struck.
Early reports from on scene was they had fire showing on arrival from C-side, the fire traveled the cock loft and spread into three buildings.
The fire was marked under control at 11:20.