Adrian
HARRISBURG, PA — Brian Enterline, the Fire Chief of Harrisburg, has highlighted the critical role closed doors played in preventing a greater tragedy during the fire that engulfed the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion. Speaking at a media conference on Monday, Chief Enterline detailed the challenges his department faced in locating and containing the blaze.
“We just can’t drive fire trucks to the front of the thing,” Enterline said. “We had to cut some gates.” Once firefighters gained access, they were able to swiftly contain the fire from spreading further.
Reflecting on the scene upon arrival, Enterline described it as “very surreal.” He emphasized the importance of preserving evidence left behind by the alleged arsonist for investigators. “Luckily, for the governor and his family, there were doors closed between the main portion of the ballroom and the hallway that leads to the main and master staircase going to the second floor,” he said. “It would have been a totally different fire and a totally different outcome, most likely, had that door not been closed.”
The Governor’s Mansion, built in 1968, lacked a fire suppression system, a feature Enterline hopes will be added during the planned remodel.
In connection with the incident, Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, has been charged with domestic terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, criminal homicide, and other counts. Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) confirmed that Balmer is currently receiving medical treatment for an unrelated condition.
During a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, former President Donald Trump commented on the incident, stating, “Just from what I read and from what I’ve been told, the attacker was not a fan of anybody’s. Probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.”
The swift actions of firefighters and the fortuitous presence of closed doors have been credited with preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.
**Sources:**
[Pennsylvania State Police](https://www.psp.pa.gov)
[Fire Chief Brian Enterline’s Statement](https://www.harrisburgpa.gov/fire-department)
