ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A 2nd alarm fire tore through the Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant early Thursday morning, sending a large Allentown Fire Department response to Liberty and North 7th Street.
Crews arrived to find heavy fire on the first-floor restaurant level. Fire command quickly struck a 2nd alarm as flames pushed through the commercial building.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, but remained on scene monitoring hot spots. The cold morning created its own challenges.
“It does become a big trip, slip, and fall hazard for us. On a lot of these cold nights like this, that’s where we’re going to have injuries — that falling factor,” said Jonathan Hammel, Captain of Public Affairs with the Allentown Fire Department.
The heaviest damage is concentrated on the restaurant’s first-floor area. A fire marshal has been called in to investigate the cause.
Seventh Street has since reopened, but Liberty Street remains closed as units continue clearing the scene.
