Allentown firefighters faced a challenging evening Thursday when three fires broke out within minutes of each other, stretching department resources and requiring assistance from mutual aid partners.<\/p>\n
The most serious incident began just before 8 p.m. when fire crews were dispatched to a commercial structure fire in the 1100 block of Irving Street.<\/p>\n
The first arriving engine company encountered heavy smoke pouring from every opening of a large commercial building, according to a news release from the Allentown Fire Department<\/a>. Battalion Chief 43 requested a second alarm at 8:07 p.m., escalating the response to a third alarm by 8:24 p.m.<\/p>\n As crews battled the Irving Street blaze, a second working fire was reported in the 400 block of Washington Street. Allentown Police Department officers who arrived at the scene confirmed the active fire. A third fire was also dispatched during this period but remained small and contained to an appliance.<\/p>\n At the Washington Street location, firefighters discovered flames on the third floor of a row home. The fire escalated to a second alarm at 8:31 p.m. Five residents were displaced from the home, with one receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. All occupants evacuated safely after being alerted by police or neighbors.<\/p>\n The Irving Street fire required a hazmat unit to check for potential chemicals. Fire crews brought the blaze under control but remained on scene into the early morning hours for overhaul and fire watch operations. Two firefighters received minor injuries during the incident. No civilians were injured or displaced.<\/p>\n Allentown EMS paramedics coordinated rehabilitation efforts for firefighters at both scenes and treated the two injured firefighters. The city\u2019s Fire Marshal division is investigating the causes of the Irving Street and Washington Street fires.<\/p>\n