According to Allentown Fire Department officials, the fire broke out shortly after 1:20 a.m. in the 200 block of South St. Cloud Street.
Flames spread rapidly through the residential area, eventually involving seven homes and prompting officials to escalate the response to four alarms.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions and began an aggressive effort to contain the flames while searching the affected homes and evacuating nearby residents.
Authorities said approximately 45 people were evacuated from the immediate area as firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading farther.
The size of the fire required assistance from numerous departments throughout Lehigh County, along with crews from the Bethlehem Fire Department.
One firefighter suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries while battling the blaze and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Officials reported no injuries among residents.
The fire left 16 residents displaced from their homes. The American Red Cross is assisting those affected with temporary shelter and additional support services.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Allentown Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from other agencies as needed.
Additional information regarding the extent of damage to the homes has not yet been released.
First Source News will continue to follow this developing story as additional information becomes available.
