On February 23, 2023 at 7:46 hours, the Ephrata Police Department and Ephrata area fire departments were dispatched to a building fire at 2 East Locust Street, Ephrata Borough. First arriving responders found a garage engulfed in fire which was scorching nearby apartment buildings. No one was injured. Three families residing in a nearby apartment building were displaced because the electric service lines and the electric meters were melted by the fire. The preliminary investigation revealed that a teen was recklessly playing with a lighter and aerosol can which subsequently lit the contents of the garage on fire. The investigation continues.