Allentown fire spreads to at least 6 row homes, displaces dozens

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — More than 30 people are displaced after a fire damaged a string of row homes in Allentown Sunday night.

Allentown firefighters received a call around midnight for a house fire on South Jefferson Street. They rushed to the back of the home and found the fire had already spread to adjoining row homes.

Fire crews entered the home, worried residents were still inside, and tore apart the roofs of the structure, attempting to ventilate the heat and smoke building up inside.

Fire officials say conditions inside the homes quickly deteriorated and, after confirming all the occupants were out, they abandoned efforts to fight from within. It took five hours to control.

One resident was transported to the hospital for a non-life-threatening medical issue and one firefighter was treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

Fire officials say at least 33 people were displaced and six homes damaged. Residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire is under investigation.