ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown firefighters were stretched across the city Tuesday night as crews responded to three separate working fires within minutes, including a large commercial blaze that escalated to a third alarm.
Just before 8 p.m. on January 8, 2026, fire crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Irving Street for a reported commercial structure fire. The first-arriving engine company encountered a large commercial building with heavy smoke pouring from every opening.
A working fire was declared, and at 8:07 p.m., Battalion Chief 43 requested a second alarm due to the size and conditions of the fire.
While crews were actively battling that blaze, a second working fire was dispatched in the 400 block of Washington Street, involving a row home. As resources were already committed, a third fire was then dispatched elsewhere in the city. That fire was quickly contained and remained isolated to an appliance.
Irving Street Fire Escalates to Third Alarm
The Irving Street commercial fire escalated to a third alarm at 8:24 p.m. as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. A HazMat unit was also requested to investigate the possible presence of chemicals inside the building.
Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control quickly, but crews remained on scene into the early morning hours performing overhaul and fire watch operations.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries during the operation. There were no civilian injuries or displacement. Allentown paramedics provided on-scene rehab and treated both firefighters.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Washington Street Row Home Fire
At the same time, fire crews responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Washington Street, where they found a fire on the third floor of a row home.
Firefighters deployed hose lines but were hampered by a large number of void spaces that concealed the fire. A second alarm was requested at 8:31 p.m.
With the assistance of multiple mutual aid departments, the fire was extinguished and damage was limited.
All occupants were alerted by Allentown Police and neighboring residents and were able to evacuate safely. Five residents were displaced, with one being assisted by the American Red Cross.
No civilian injuries were reported. Firefighters were evaluated by paramedics on scene, and no injuries to firefighters were reported at that location.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Mutual Aid Response
The Allentown Fire Department credited its mutual aid partners for helping manage the multiple incidents across the city.
“Without their continued partnership and assistance, the outcomes of last night’s incidents would have been much different,” the department said in a statement.
