ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Many people living near a major building fire in Allentown this week have a long way to go before they can return home.
Two kids now face charges in connection to the fire.
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DA: Two juveniles in custody, charged for massive 6-alarm factory fire in Allentown
Earlier Saturday, the remaining crew left the scene, only to come back briefly for one hot spot. They put it out and then left again.
A captain on duty told 69 News that hopefully the rain will keep the fire at bay, but it also put a stop to the demolition for the rest of the weekend.
69 News’ crew on scene saw a lot of cars backing up at the closed road, but many others are mourning the loss of the building.
“Every time I pass every day, and I always look that place, and I have good memories there,” Luis Luna said.
Today, Luis Luna is a successful business owner here at Luna’s Bakery and Cafe on Allentown’s West Linden Street.
But decades ago, he says he was given his first opportunity at the old furniture company on North Front Street.
“It was my first job in Pennsylvania. Yeah, I’m glad to be here in this town because they give me a lot of opportunity,” he said.
Wednesday night, that large building went up in flames.
Many are calling it the largest fire in recent years, so massive it went to 6-alarms, with about 200 firefighters from 21 departments rushing in.
‘Very unusual’: Immense 6-alarm factory fire draws 200 regional firefighters to Allentown
Houses across the street even got hit, and became unlivable.
Many people are still waiting to return home.
North Front Street remains closed off.
“I feel so sad because my first friends down in Pennsylvania, I met them over there,” Luna said.
Two kids are now charged with arson in connection with the fire.
“Thinking every day when that happens, what happened with these kids, it’s sad. It’s sad,” he said.