Third-Alarm Destroys Allentown Dwelling and Displaces Residents

Photo by KEN SNYDERRear of the fire building.

Photo by KEN SNYDERRear of the fire building.

Photo by KEN SNYDERSecond floor rear of the fire building.

Photo by KEN SNYDERSecond floor rear of the fire building.

Photo by KEN SNYDERRoof operations on the front of the fire building.

Photo by KEN SNYDERFirefighters vent roof towards the front of the fire building.
ALLENTOWN, PA - On April 19th shortly before 6:00 A.M., the fire department was dispatched to a fire call at 376 1/2 Washington St.
This middle of the row, three-story dwelling had a fast-moving fire and heavy smoke conditions. Compounding this situation were wires on fire and arcing in front of the fire building. The blaze went to three alarms.
The dwelling was occupied by two women and four children. Neighbors were instrumental in aiding a woman and two children to escape out of a second floor rear window. They were then reunited with the other family members who had already found their way out. Unfortunately, the family dog was found deceased.
All the occupants were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest for a smoke inhalation checkup. The family was also assisted by the Red Cross.
The fire department was able to make good progress in controlling the blaze with no lateral spread. The dwelling was reported to have smoke detectors.