Rare Four Alarm Fire Strikes Bethlehem's Southside

Photo by KEN SNYDERView of the Five 10 Flats fire building.

Photo by KEN SNYDERA firefighter wets down the roof top terrace area.

Photo by KEN SNYDERFirefighters check for hot spots on the roof top terrace area.

Photo by KEN SNYDERBethlehem L-2 supplies water to roof crews at the 4th alarm on 5/2/25.

Photo by KEN SNYDERBethlehem E-1 in service at the 4th alarm 5/2/25.

Photo by KEN SNYDEREaston used E-2011 to transport manpower the 4th alarm on 5/2/25.

Photo by KEN SNYDERAllentown T-2 and Bethlehem L-1 in service at the 4th alarm on 5/2/25.

Photo by KEN SNYDERBethlehem E-3 in service at the 4th alarm 5/2/25.
Bethlehem- On May 2nd, a major fire struck the historic southside of the city. The fire occured at the Five 10 Flats; a 'L' shaped, block long mixed use five story apartment building with light commercial on the first floor, located at 510 E. Third St. The Northampton County 911 Center transmitted the call at 13:17 hrs. after receiving numerous phone calls and reports of alarms going off. A driving high wind fire had developed on the roof, spreading across most of that area with very heavy black smoke showing. Extra alarms were transmitted and the city's three aerial pieces were placed into service; eventually three more mutual aid aerials were added to the assignment along with other units. As the roof fire was knocked down, companies remained on scene most of the day checking on hot spots and overhauling. Some one hundred and thirty-five residents from 95 units were displaced and relocated until repairs to the structure can be made.There were no reported injuries. Also assisting the BFD were fire companies from Bethlehem Twp., Hanover Twp., Nancy Run, Lower Saucon Twp.,Palmer Twp., Allentown and Easton.