By Pamela Sroka-Holzmann
The Express-Times
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Firefighters rescued three people from second-floor windows and the rear of a home after a basement fire broke out early Friday morning in Allentown.
City Fire Department Captain of Public Affairs Jonathan Hammel said the fire started just before 3:40 a.m. in the 900 block of North Emery Street.
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Crews found smoke billowing from the home and two occupants hanging out of second-story windows. The two people had to be rescued by ladder crews, Hammel said.
A third occupant was rescued from the back of the home, while three others escaped safely on their own, Hammel said.
Five people were taken to area hospitals with injuries. The conditions of the five patients were not immediately available.
Hammel said the fire began in the basement and flames were quickly brought under control. Crews, however, remained on scene throughout the morning checking for hot spots to ensure complete extinguishment, he said.
The home has been deemed uninhabitable by city fire officials. The American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region’s disaster team is helping the displaced family of six, which includes a child, with shelter and other needs, Hammel said.
It’s unclear what led to the blaze as city fire officials continue to investigate.
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$50,000 in fire department grants and 350 pancake breakfast fundraiser kits will be awarded