ALLENTOWN, Pa. – An afternoon fire in Allentown destroyed two homes and sent three people to the hospital.
The fire in the 100 block of Gordon Street grew to three alarms before it was brought under control.
Units from the Fire Department were dispatched 12:58 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
The first arriving Engine Company found heavy fire throughout the first floor of an end unit and requested a second alarm. Additional paramedic units were requested for residents who had escaped the building but needed medical care.
A third alarm was filled as crews began to extinguish the fire. All companies operated aggressively to bring the fire under control at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to two homes in a row of five houses. It could have taken out the entire row.
The fire department says there were two adults and one child in who lived at 138 Gordon St.
Three adults and two children were displaced from the next-door unit at 136 Gordon St., but they got out safely.
A total of 3 people were taken to area hospitals for evaluation. There are no reports of their condition.
Officials say the residents who remained on scene sought shelter in a Lanta bus that was brought to the scene. The Red Cross is assisting 5 adults and 3 children who have been displaced because of the fire.
“My aunt was in the house with her grandson, her two grandsons and they all got out, but they were a little bit scared,” says Jazmin Vazquez, who’s aunt lives at 136 Gordon St. “I was looking on Facebook for something and I seen that there was a fire on the 100 block of Gordon Street. Next thing I seen was a picture of the firefighter up on my aunt’s porch and I recognized it right away and I got here as quickly as I could.”
Family members say they were only able to save a bible, and a few Christmas cards, but little else from the fire.
“It’s now Christmas time. It’s a little bit hard,” said Vazquez. “For 30 years my family has been here. We are trying to help her out. She is one of the older members of my family. So, we are going to try to help my aunt rebuild.”
Firefighters are working to confirm reports that there was an explosion, possibly from a kerosene heater, and that somebody actually had to jump out a window to escape.
One family member says his mother and sister live in one of the affected homes. His sister had been admitted to the hospital yesterday for a brain tumor and now has no home to return to.
“Grew up here, man. This is my childhood. I get here from hour away to come here and look at flames. Everything’s gone over somebody’s carelessness,” says Eddie Rodriguez, who says his mother lives at 136 Gordon Street. “It was my mom, my sister; my sister is in the hospital right now admitted into the hospital yesterday, and now she has nothing to come home to.”
Vazquez added, “Our family needs prayers right now. We need help.”
The cause of the fire is unknown currently and is being investigated by the Fire Marshal.