Just after 18:30hrs the Rose Fire Company was alerted for the gas leak in the unit block of South Front Street in New Freedom Borough. Deputy Chief Shearer arrived and established the Command, reporting a three-story apartment building with an odor of gas evident on the exterior. Columbia Gas was requested to expedite their response. A resident on the first floor reported the smell of gas in her apartment, and crews began metering the residence.

Engine 58-2 deployed a handline in case the situation escalated, while an Engine from Company 61 (Shrewsbury Volunteers) secured the hydrant. Crews from Tower 58 metered the apartments on the first floor while the crew from Engine 61 did the same on the second and third floors. Forcible entry was used on several apartments, as the residents were unable to be located. Once on-scene, Columbia Gas advised fire department units could return to service and clear the assignment.