Fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital Prompts Emergency Response

A fire erupted Wednesday night in a building connected to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania, leading to a significant emergency response and the evacuation of patients, according to officials.

The Dixon Fire Department posted on Facebook that it, along with other early-response teams, arrived at the hospital complex around 9:40 p.m. Fire Chief Richard Chowanek identified the fire’s location as the roof of the former Scranton Orthopedics building, which is attached to the newer hospital facility. This prompted a call for additional emergency units.

Officials confirmed that there was no active fire in the main hospital, but some smoke and water damage was reported.

Police from across the Mid-Valley area, aided by the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania State Police, collaborated with hospital staff and paramedics to facilitate the evacuation of patients. Media reports indicate that 77 patients were transferred to other facilities, with no serious injuries reported.

As crews worked to extinguish the blaze, part of the orthopedic surgery department collapsed. Fortunately, fire containment was achieved around 11:15 p.m.

The Dixon Fire Department announced that the cause and origin of the fire will be investigated by Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed gratitude to the first responders for their bravery in the face of danger. He also extended thoughts and prayers to the staff, patients, and families involved in this incident.