A firefighter was injured when flames tore through a two-story home Sunday evening in Hanover Township, Northampton County.
Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Scott VanWhy told lehighvalleylive.com flames ignited around 9:15 p.m. at the residence in the 400 block of Sugar Maple Court. All occupants were able to escape safely on their own, he said.
Asked if crews were focusing on a particular area of the structure, VanWhy said the fire was “well involved upon arrival.”
The blaze quickly went to three alarms to bring in more manpower. About 15 agencies responded to help the Hanover Township crew.
VanWhy said firefighters faced hurdles with gear freezing up and water freezing almost instantly in single-digit temperatures. The National Weather Service forecast wind chills plunging to 10 to 25 degrees below zero Sunday evening.
“We had to keep rotating guys and had to bring in extra manpower to keep up with the rotations,” VanWhy said.
One firefighter slipped on ice while battling a three-alarm blaze Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2026 in Northampton County. The home on Sugar Maple Court is now uninhabitable.Dan Clerico | For lehighvalleylive.com
One firefighter was injured after slipping on the ice and suffering a fall, VanWhy said. No civilians were reported injured.
A fire hydrant covered in snow had to be dug out by neighbors.
It took a while to get flames under control, VanWhy said. Crews stayed at the scene until 1:30 a.m. Monday in bitter cold temperatures checking for hot spots, he said.
The home has since been deemed uninhabitable by township fire officials. The family is staying with relatives, VanWhy said.
The cause of Sunday’s blaze remains under investigation by township fire officials.
One firefighter slipped on ice while battling a three-alarm blaze Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2026 in Northampton County. The home on Sugar Maple Court is now uninhabitable.Dan Clerico | For lehighvalleylive.com