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HARRISBURG, PA. – Brian Enterline, Harrisburg Fire Chief, highlighted the critical role of closed doors in preventing a potential tragedy during the recent fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion. Speaking at a media conference on Monday, Enterline detailed the challenges firefighters faced while responding to the blaze, including difficulties locating the fire’s origin and gaining entry to the complex.
«We just can’t drive fire trucks to the front of the thing,» Enterline said. «We had to cut some gates.» Once inside, firefighters swiftly contained the fire, preventing further damage.
Enterline described the scene as «very surreal» upon his arrival 15 minutes into the incident. 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 that main portion of the ballroom and the hallway that leads to the main and master staircase going to the second floor,» Enterline stated. «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, lacks a fire suppression system, which Enterline hopes will be addressed during upcoming renovations.
CODY BALMER, 38, of Harrisburg, has been identified as the suspect in the alleged arson attack. Balmer is currently receiving treatment at a hospital for a medical event unrelated to the incident or his arrest, according to Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). He faces multiple charges, including domestic terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and criminal homicide, as detailed in a criminal complaint released Monday.
When asked about the suspect’s motive, former President Donald Trump, during a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, stated, «No, I haven’t, but the attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand. Just from what I read and from what I’ve been told, the attacker basically wasn’t a fan of anybody’s. Probably just a whack job. And certainly, a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.»
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
**Sources:**
[Pennsylvania State Police](https://www.psp.pa.gov)
[Media Conference Transcript](https://www.example.com)
