A Carlisle resident told the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 18 that a recent overnight fire at a local recovery house revealed gaps in safety oversight and asked the county to act.

"I am a resident of Carlisle," Maureen Chang said during the public-comment period. She said the fire occurred on 11/10/2025 at a facility she identified as Blue Mountain Escape, that the house was over local occupancy, that an individual recently arrested returned to the program, likely was under the influence and began cooking before falling asleep, and that the blaze displaced residents and her family, including her 6-year-old son.

Chang described overcrowding, limited supervision and a lack of fire-suppression systems and inspections as preventable risks. "Without oversight such as regular safety inspections, enforcement of occupancy limits, or requirements for fire safety, fire suppression systems, we risk more tragedies," she said, and asked commissioners to "direct the drug and alcohol department to explore mechanisms for basic safety oversight of recovery houses serving county-connected clients."

Chang emphasized the county connection: although many recovery houses do not receive direct county funding, they serve people whose treatment and recovery are supported through county drug and alcohol programs, referrals or related services. She framed the issue as a public-safety and liability concern for the county and urged consideration of partnerships, emergency protocols and policy changes. She also asked the county to "initiate a review of how current funding limitations impact safety in these facilities."

Chair acknowledged the comment and said the board was aware of the issue.

No formal action or directive was recorded during the meeting; commissioners did not place an oversight item on the agenda that day. Chang offered to provide additional details and answer questions if asked.

Next steps: Commissioners did not announce a follow-up action during the meeting. The public comment will be part of the record for future consideration by staff and the board.