EASTON, Pa. – A major three-alarm fire at the Hampton Hotel in downtown Easton left six people injured Friday, including a firefighter who fell 20 feet while attempting a narrow escape from the third floor.
Firefighters were called to the Hampton Hotel in the 400 block of Northampton Street just before 11:30 Friday morning.
The fire is now under control, but the damage will take months to repair.
When crews arrived they say they found heavy fire burning in the basement of the high-occupancy building.
Conditions quickly worsened, and flames began spreading.
“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.
Immediate rescue efforts were initiated as people could be seen hanging from windows trying to escape.
During the search and rescue, officials confirm that firefighter Bobby Lewullis called for help while running low on air inside the third floor. He was able to self-rescue using a ladder, but fell approximately 20 feet and remains hospitalized with major injuries.
“Just have everybody say a prayer for them,” Hennings said.
In total, six people were taken to the hospital, including Lewullis, one EMS provider treated for smoke inhalation, and four civilians with unspecified injuries.
Officials say the fire is now largely under control, and excavation equipment has been brought in to begin tearing sections of the building down.
Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski said in part in a statement online: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s devastating fire in downtown Easton—especially the firefighter who was injured while courageously responding, and the residents and business owners who have been displaced.”
She thanked first responders for acting swiftly to contain the fire and ensure public safety.
Over 3,000 Met-Ed customers lost power in the city of Easton on Friday after a three-alarm fire at a multi-story building.
According to Met-Ed’s outage map, up to 3,503 customers were without power. That is 26% percent of Met-Ed customers in Easton.
As of 4:00 p.m. power has been restored by Met-Ed crews.
275 people were evacuated out of the Crayola Experience building, which lost power, according to a spokesperson for Crayola.
Crayola will be closed for the rest of the day and plan to reopen on Saturday depending on the conditions of the downtown fire.
The Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers have opened an emergency shelter at Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton to provide displaced residents with food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, and other assistance.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need after a disaster, and all disaster assistance is free, according to a news release.
The State Theatre, which is located across the street from the location of the fire, has cancelled Friday night’s performance of “Riverdance 30” at the request of the Easton Fire Department, the city said.
Jayson Wagner | for WFMZ-TV
Heavy smoke poured out of the building, which includes a mix of business and residential uses.
Crews struck three alarms to call more manpower to the scene. Fire companies from across the Lehigh Valley responded to the fire.
The Nancy Run Fire Company, which provided mutual aid to fire crews, said in a Facebook post that there were reports of occupants trapped in the building.
Jayson Wagner | for WFMZ-TV
The city says the roadway near the fire is closed. People are asked to avoid the area, as well as the 400 block of Pine Street.
WFMZ-TV | Heather Beck
There’s no word on what sparked the flames.
Stay with 69 News while the story develops.