A six-alarm fire that severely damaged the abandoned American Atelier furniture factory at 249 N. Front St. was responded to by the Allentown Fire Department on June 24.

At around 8:40 p.m., the first alarm was sent out for the Bucky Boyle Park and Pump Place neighborhood. The fire spread throughout the three-story, block-long complex and surrounding buildings around 80 minutes later, prompting the request for a sixth alarm.

About 3,500 customers were impacted by the local power and gas outages. Six surrounding residences were rendered uninhabitable, two were damaged, and two parked cars were completely destroyed. Ten children were among the more than 28 residents who were relocated.

About 200 firefighters from numerous departments assisted. One firefighter was treated for dehydration, with no civilian injuries reported. Two juveniles later admitted to starting the fire. The remaining structure was demolished after crews extinguished hot spots.