By USA Daily Now 
HARRISBURG, PA – BRIAN ENTERLINE, Harrisburg Fire Chief, highlighted the critical role of closed doors in preventing a catastrophic outcome during the recent fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, ENTERLINE detailed the challenges faced by firefighters while combating the blaze, which investigators believe may have been deliberately set.
ENTERLINE explained that firefighters encountered significant obstacles in accessing the mansion. “We just can’t drive fire trucks to the front of the thing,” he said. “We had to cut some gates to gain entry.” Once inside, crews swiftly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. The fire chief emphasized the importance of preserving evidence for investigators, describing the scene as “very surreal” when he arrived approximately 15 minutes into the incident.
“The doors between the main ballroom and the hallway leading to the staircase were closed,” ENTERLINE noted. “This was crucial in preventing the fire from reaching the second floor, where the governor and his family were sleeping. Had those doors been open, it would have been a totally different fire with a likely tragic outcome.”
Constructed in 1968, the governor’s mansion lacked a modern fire suppression system, a deficiency ENTERLINE hopes will be addressed during its reconstruction.
The blaze is suspected to be an act of arson, with CODY BALMER, 38, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, charged in connection with the incident. According to Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), BALMER faces multiple charges, including domestic terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and criminal homicide. He is currently receiving hospital treatment for an unrelated medical condition.
President DONALD TRUMP commented on the incident during a meeting with El Salvador’s President NAYIB BUKELE. When asked about a possible motive, TRUMP stated, “No, I haven’t. But from what I’ve read, the attacker wasn’t a fan of Trump or anyone else. Probably just a whack job. Such incidents cannot be allowed to happen.”
The investigation into the fire remains ongoing.
**Sources:**
[Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)](https://www.psp.pa.gov/)
[Press Conference Video](#)
[President Trump’s Remarks](#)