Arson suspected at Hempstead Road construction site; cornfield fire reported
East Lampeter police say a vacant building under construction on Hempstead Road was deliberately set on fire Oct. 22; a small cornfield blaze nearby may be linked.
On Oct. 22, 2026, at about 7:33 p.m., East Lampeter Township Police and the Lafayette Fire Company responded to an active fire at 1770 Hempstead Rd. Fire crews determined the blaze appeared to be arson at the unoccupied building under construction, which sustained extensive damage. Police also investigated a separate report of a person seen entering a cornfield on the 600 block of Willow Rd and starting a small fire; authorities ask anyone with information or security footage to call (717) 291-4676 or submit an anonymous tip.