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A helicopter pilot's quick thinking helped avert a potentially disastrous fire at an abandoned factory in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday (July 8). The fire, which started in a remote location away from any roads, was spotted by the pilot who promptly called 9-1-1, according to the Union Fire Company Number One.
Fire Chief Matt Hinken emphasized the importance of the pilot's report, stating that it led to a much better outcome. Without the helicopter's intervention, it could have taken much longer for someone on the ground to notice the blaze, allowing the fire to spread further. The fire had already reached the roofline by the time it was detected.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The Union Fire Company Number One responded quickly to the scene, preventing the fire from causing more extensive damage. The incident highlights the critical role that aerial surveillance can play in emergency response situations.