A 15-year-old admitted to their role in a large 6-alarm fire that destroyed a warehouse and jumped to neighboring homes back in June, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. A second child is also facing charges.
The raging six-alarm fire started around 8:40 p.m. on June 24, 2026, and destroyed an old furniture factory located on 300 block of Front Street in Allentown, officials said.
Investigators say the fast moving fire jumped to several homes directly across the street forcing some residents to evacuate through their back doors to escape the flames. Thousands had no electricity at the height of the fire.
Over 100 firefighters worked late into the night to get the fire under controls and crews stayed on scene through the whole next day to investigate.
The old factory was set to be demolished making way for redevelopment after being vacant for years.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the 15-year-old suspect entered an admission to arson and causing a catastrophe charges. The teen is currently in custody at a juvenile facility that is offering treatment for “fire setters.”
The other child charged in this alleged arson is going through the juvenile justice system and officials explained they could not share any more information on his case.
The investigation into this fire is still ongoing.