Fire Evacuates Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania

A fire broke out on the roof of an attached building at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, late Wednesday evening, leading to the safe evacuation of 77 patients and all staff as emergency crews responded swiftly to contain the blaze.

The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. at the hospital complex, which includes the original Scranton Orthopedics structure connected to the main facility. Fire Chief Richard Chowanec of the Dickson City Fire Department reported that initial responders upgraded the alarm upon arrival, dispatching additional units to battle flames visible on the roof. Officials confirmed the fire did not enter the main hospital building, though smoke and water damage affected parts of the facility. A firewall between the orthopedics unit and the hospital prevented further spread, and electricity was shut off as a precaution.

More than 100 first responders, including firefighters from multiple departments such as Moscow, Justus, Chinchilla, and Greater Pittston, along with police, emergency medical services, the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, and Pennsylvania State Police, coordinated the response. All four floors of the hospital and...