State Police Reading investigated an accidental fire that occurred at a radio transmission site, Ministries of Yahew Inc., 90 Stauffer Road, Bethel Township, at 1:04 p.m. on March 22.
State Police report that fire crews responded to find flames and fire active at the roof and interior of Ministries of Yahew, Inc. Crews were able to suppress the fire and keep it from spreading to the rest of the building.
The investigation showed that the fire originated where aluminum electrical wiring extends from the building to the antenna, providing it with energized electricity. These wires became crossed, likely due to high gusty winds, and caused an ignition to the roof and building.
Between noon and 1 p.m., the wind gusts varied between 31.1 and 20.7 miles per hour.
The building contains multiple high-voltage electrical transformers and is used as a radio transmission site. The building was occupied and a broadcast was being transmitted at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.
Damage to the building is estimated to be about $5,000. Damage estimates to any radio or electrical equipment has not been determined yet. State Police report that equipment damage could easily be tens of thousands of dollars.
