EASTON, Pa. — Easton’s fire chief is asking for prayers after a devastating three-alarm fire tore through a downtown hotel Friday morning, injuring six people—including a firefighter who fell approximately 20 feet while attempting to escape dangerous conditions inside the building.
Firefighters were dispatched to the Hampton Hotel in the 400 block of Northampton Street just before 11:30 a.m. Friday for reports of a fire in the high-occupancy structure.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy fire in the basement, which quickly extended upward through concealed wall spaces and into multiple floors. The rapidly worsening conditions forced firefighters to withdraw and shift to a defensive operation.
“We found fire going up through the walls onto multiple floors. So we pulled everybody out and went to a defensive operation,” said Easton Fire Chief Henry Hennings.
Firefighter Seriously Injured During Rescue Effort
During intense rescue operations, officials confirmed that Easton firefighter Bobby Lewullis became trapped on the third floor while running low on air. He was able to self-rescue by reaching a ladder, but fell approximately 20 feet during the escape.
Lewullis suffered major injuries and remains hospitalized.
“Just have everybody say a prayer for them,” Chief Hennings said.
An EMS provider was also treated for smoke inhalation, and four civilians were transported to the hospital with injuries that have not been publicly specified. In total, six people were hospitalized.
Mass Evacuations and Major Power Outage
The fire had widespread impacts across downtown Easton:
- Approximately 3,503 Met-Ed customers—about 26% of the city—lost power
- Electricity was restored to most customers by around 4:00 p.m.
- 275 people were evacuated from the Crayola Experience, which closed for the remainder of the day
- The State Theatre canceled its scheduled “Riverdance 30” performance
- The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Paxinosa Elementary School for displaced residents
Witnesses reported seeing people hanging from windows as firefighters worked rapidly to conduct rescues and evacuations.
Fire Under Control, Major Damage Reported
Fire officials say the blaze is now largely under control, but the damage to the Hampton Hotel is extensive. Excavation equipment has been brought in to assist with demolition and overhaul operations.
Officials say repairs to the building will likely take months, and the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.
The incident has deeply impacted the Easton community, especially as firefighters continue to recover from one of the most serious downtown fires in recent years
