By ELIZABETH EVANS
        Emergency crews arenít often overheard quoting the
Bard.
        But Fairview Township firefighters were moved to
verse early this morning when 100,000 honeybees
escaped from their trailer on the Pennsylvania
Turnpike just across the York County border in Lower
Allen Township, Cumberland County.
        ìThey were saying it was a Shakespearean event,î
firefighter and engine-driver Steve Smith said. ìYou
know ó ëTo bee or not to bee, that is the question.íî
        Not to bee.
        Smith and other firefighters were called to the scene
to destroy the errant bees, on orders from the
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, state police
said.
        Troopers from the Highspire barracks said beekeeper
Thomas Lee Cook of Hatfield, Montgomery County, was
transporting several hives westbound the trailer
holding the bees detached from his minivan and bounced
along the highway.
        The bouncing irritated the honeybees, several of
which stung Cook, police said.
        Because of the number of loose, annoyed bees,
troopers called PEMA for advice and were told to have
firefighters destroy the bees because if they swarmed
they could pose a danger to humans, police said.
        ìWe used firefighting foam, the same foam we use for
car fires,î Smith said. ìIt inhibits the flow of
oxygen, which is how it works on car fires.î
        Not too many firefighters ventured close enough to
get a good look at the hives, said Smith.
        ìWe were probably there about an hour, but a lot of
us kept our distance,î he said. ìSomeone whoís been
with the (fire) department for many years said this
was a first.î
        After the bees were euthanized, the trailer was towed
away and Cook drove off in his minivan, police said.
        The turnpike was closed for 35 minutes.

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