SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A third-alarm fire at the West Side Hotel early Tuesday forced dramatic rescues and an all-hands response from Scranton firefighters after multiple occupants were found trapped at upper-story windows, authorities said.
The incident began while crews were assisting EMS at the nearby Hotel Jermyn. According to the Scranton Fire Department, the entire C-Shift was immediately recalled when the blaze broke out on the city’s West Side, quickly escalating into a multi-alarm structure fire.
When firefighters arrived, smoke and flames were already spreading through the building, and several people were seen hanging out windows, unable to escape. Crews deployed ground ladders, used fire escapes, and initiated rapid search operations to reach those trapped inside.
Units from Truck 4, Engine 7, Engine 4, Engine 2, Rescue 1, Engine 8, Truck 2, and Engine 10 were among those who carried out multiple rescues, pulling victims to safety before turning them over to EMS teams from several agencies. Officials said firefighters “risked a lot to save a lot” as they worked under intense and rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Once rescues were completed, crews launched an aggressive interior attack. However, concerns over the building’s structural stability forced commanders to shift to defensive operations.
A recall of off-duty personnel was issued to staff reserve apparatus so emergency coverage could continue elsewhere in the city during the prolonged response. Dunmore Firefighters IAFF Local 860 and several additional agencies also assisted at the scene.
Photos from the fire were provided to FOX56 by NEPA Fire Photography