ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Crews battled multiple fires in Allentown overnight.
Two firefighters were hurt after a fire at a commercial building on Irving Street, while another fire at a rowhome on Washington Street displaced five people.
The Allentown Fire Department said crews responded to the 1100 block of Irving Street for a commercial structure fire just 8 p.m. Thursday. Crews found heavy smoke coming from the large commercial building, according to a news release from the fire department.
At about the same time, crews were sent to the 400 block of Washington Street to fight a fire that broke out on the third floor of a row home, the city fire department said.
According to the fire department, the Irving Street fire went to a third alarm at 8:24 p.m., and the Hazmat unit was requested to check for the possibility of chemicals.
The fire was brought under control quickly; however, crews remained on scene into the early hours of the morning performing overhaul and fire watch, according to the news release.
Two firefighters had minor injuries, the fire department said. No civilians were hurt.
The Allentown Paramedics coordinated rehab for the firefighters and took care of the 2 minor injuries, according to the fire department.
The Fire Marshal division is investigating the cause of the fire.
Crews at Washington Street found fire on the third floor of a row home, the fire department said.
The fire department said all occupants that were alerted by the Allentown Police or their neighbors evacuated the building and there were no injuries.
Five residents are displaced, one of which is being assisted by the American Red Cross, according to the fire department.
Mike Nester | for WFMZ-TV
The Allentown Paramedics coordinated rehab for the firefighters and consistently checked on the residents of the homes. There were no reports of injuries to firefighters, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Crews were also sent to a third fire, which remained small and isolated to an appliance, according to the news release.
The fire department did not indicate that the three fires were related.
“The Allentown Fire Department greatly appreciates all the assistance provided by our mutual aid partners that responded to a fire scene or provided coverage for the residents of the city while all our resources were committed,” the fire department said in the news release.
“Without their continued partnership and assistance, the outcomes of last night’s incidents would have been much different.”