UPDATED 1/1/16, 10:45AM-

The Ephrata Police Department, assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, investigated an apartment building fire that occurred in the 600 block of East Main Street, Ephrata Borough.  On December 31, 2015 at 11:40 p.m. the Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company, the Lincoln Fire Company, the Akron Fire Company and the Reamstown Fire Company were dispatched for smoke coming from an apartment.    Firefighters removed an unconscious resident from a smoke filled apartment and began emergency medical treatment.  The victim, identified as James T Ramsey, 59, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries including burns and smoke inhalation. He was later flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital for further threatment.  

The fire was contained to the victim’s apartment.  The cause of the fire is listed as accidental.