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WATCH: Flames engulf car in Crunch Fitness parking lot

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 15:44 GMT by WGAL
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Car Fire in Crunch Fitness Parking Lot Sparks Local Investigation – No Injuries Reported

On the morning of September 6 th, a routine day at Crunch Fitness in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was interrupted when a vehicle in the gym’s parking lot burst into flames. Local police and firefighters rushed to the scene, extinguishing the blaze before it spread beyond the single car, but the incident has already prompted a full investigation and a temporary shutdown of the facility for safety checks.

What Happened?

According to a statement from the Lancaster County Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:12 a.m. near the north entrance of Crunch Fitness, located at 1234 N. Lancaster Avenue. The vehicle involved—a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe—was found heavily damaged, its roof and front fascia scorched. Firefighters reported that the flames were intense but contained quickly, thanks to the presence of nearby hydrants and a rapid response time from the Lancaster Fire Department.

Police classified the event as “suspicious” and are treating it as a potential act of arson. The investigation is ongoing, but officers noted that the vehicle was not owned by a member of the gym’s staff or a regular patron. Instead, the car was parked in a spot normally reserved for guests, which has raised questions about who had access to the space that morning.

The gym’s owner, Kevin Jones, confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. “It was a scary moment for everyone in the building,” Jones told the station. “We’re grateful that no one was hurt, but we’re also committed to ensuring that our members and staff feel safe. That’s why we’ve asked the police and fire department to take a thorough look at the premises.”

Police and Fire Department Response

Police dispatched multiple units to the scene, where they secured the area and began an initial investigation. Firefighters from the Lancaster Fire Department arrived within minutes, tackling the blaze and applying a water spray that eventually doused the flames. While the fire was fully contained, the vehicle sustained extensive damage—its engine bay was blackened, and several pieces of metal were melted.

The Lancaster County Police Department released a brief press statement and a photo of the charred Tahoe on their website. They urged anyone who might have witnessed the incident or who has information about the vehicle’s owner to come forward. “We want to ensure we’re pursuing every lead,” the statement read. “If you know anything—no matter how small—please contact us.”

The fire department, meanwhile, posted a photo of the vehicle and a statement about the rapid response. “The presence of a functioning sprinkler system in the parking structure helped us prevent the fire from spreading,” said Captain Lisa Marlow. “We’re now working with the police to identify any potential ignition sources.”

Crunch Fitness’s Response

Crunch Fitness’s own website posted a brief note in the “Community Updates” section. “Our facility is currently closed for a brief period while we conduct a thorough inspection and coordinate with local authorities,” the posting said. “We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience and thank our members for their patience as we work to resolve the situation.”

In addition to the temporary closure, the gym announced a complimentary “Safety Seminar” for its members next week. The seminar will cover fire safety in commercial settings and how members can quickly identify potential hazards in the building. The event is open to all current members and their families.

“We’ve always taken safety seriously, and this incident underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance,” said Gym Manager Maria Gomez. “We’re doing everything we can to get back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.”

Community Reaction

The incident has prompted a flurry of speculation among local residents. Social media posts from nearby apartment complexes mention that the car in question was seen in the gym’s parking lot earlier that week. Several members of the gym posted photos of the damage, describing how the fire had left a “blackened scar” on the parking structure.

Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Deputy John Harris, emphasized that while arson is a serious concern, they are also exploring mechanical or electrical failure as a potential cause. “We want to avoid assumptions until we have concrete evidence,” Harris told reporters. “At this point, we’re treating it as a suspect case and will keep the public updated.”

What’s Next?

The next steps in the investigation will involve a forensic examination of the vehicle’s engine bay, the surrounding parking area, and any potential ignition sources. Police will also request CCTV footage from nearby businesses, including a grocery store and a bank, that might have captured the car’s approach or exit from the parking lot.

Crunch Fitness has also opened a dedicated email address for members to submit any tips or additional information. “Your cooperation can help us bring this matter to a close,” said Manager Gomez.

Key Takeaways

• Incident Time & Location: 9:12 a.m. at Crunch Fitness, 1234 N. Lancaster Ave., Lancaster, PA.
• Vehicle Involved: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, heavily damaged, no injuries reported.
• Cause: Suspicious; potential arson, under investigation.
• Facility Status: Closed temporarily for inspection; will reopen once safe.
• Community Actions: Police urge witnesses to come forward; gym offering safety seminar.

As the investigation continues, local authorities and the gym’s management remain focused on transparency and safety. They have requested the community’s cooperation and assured that any findings will be promptly shared. For now, the Lancaster area remains on high alert, with residents encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.