ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A massive 6th Alarm fire tore through a former furniture factory in the 300 block of Front Street Wednesday night, forcing evacuations, displacing multiple families, and drawing one of the largest mutual aid responses the city has seen in recent years.
The fire was reported around 8:40 p.m. and rapidly spread throughout the block-long industrial building. Flames quickly engulfed all three floors, threatening nearby structures and prompting incident commanders to escalate the response from a working fire to a 6th Alarm.
Dozens of fire departments from across the Lehigh Valley and neighboring counties responded with ladder trucks, engines, tankers, rehabilitation units, and command staff. Firefighters spent hours battling the blaze from both the ground and the air using multiple aerial master streams to contain the intense fire.
The massive flames and thick black smoke could be seen for miles, with a towering plume rising over the city throughout the night.
“When I first got here, it was really, really bad. You could see the ashes coming from the sky. It was pretty much raining down,” said Allentown resident Mateo Trivino.
The Allentown Fire Department announced the fire was brought under control during the early morning hours Thursday. Crews remained on scene throughout the morning extinguishing hot spots and monitoring the heavily damaged structure.
One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the fire department. No civilian injuries were reported.
The former factory sustained significant structural damage, with portions of the roof collapsing and several walls compromised. Fire officials will continue evaluating the stability of the building as the investigation progresses.
The property has been the subject of redevelopment discussions in recent years, with developers previously proposing plans to convert the former industrial complex into apartments.
Shelter-in-Place and Evacuations
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the surrounding neighborhood as heavy smoke blanketed the area.
Residents in the 300 block of Front Street were instructed to leave their homes through their backyards, according to Allentown Police Capt. Joshua Brubaker, while emergency crews worked to contain the fire.
The Allentown Police Department urged residents and motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Officials also advised residents not to return to evacuated homes until emergency personnel determine it is safe. Police, firefighters, and building officials are continuing to examine nearby structures for any signs of fire extension or structural damage.
Authorities also evacuated all of the row homes directly across the street from the burning building as a precaution while inspections continue.
Utility crews shut off gas and electrical service to the block during the incident. At the height of the fire, approximately 5,000 customers lost power, with hundreds still without electricity Thursday morning as restoration efforts continued.
Assistance for Displaced Residents
Residents displaced by the fire can find temporary shelter at Resurrected Life Church (formerly Liberty Bell Church), located at 620 W. Hamilton Street, according to the Allentown City Council.
City officials said they are working alongside local faith leaders, community organizations, and the American Red Cross, which responded to the scene to assist residents affected by the fire. Additional information on housing assistance and available resources is expected to be released as recovery efforts continue.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
First Source News will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
