DICKSON CITY, Pa. — A fierce fire tore through an attached building at Lehigh Valley Hospital here on Wednesday night, forcing the evacuation of 77 patients and drawing a massive response from local emergency services. The blaze, which started around 9:40 p.m. in the roof of the original Scranton Orthopedics building—an older structure connected to the modern hospital facility—was quickly contained by firefighters, but not before causing significant structural damage and prompting a coordinated effort to relocate patients to nearby facilities.
According to the Dickson City Fire Department, first-alarm companies were dispatched to the hospital complex shortly after the initial call. Upon arrival, Fire Chief Richard Chowanec assessed the situation and upgraded the response, calling in additional units to battle the flames that had spread across the roof. "The fire was burning in the roof of the original Scranton Orthopedics building," the department stated in a Facebook post detailing the incident. Crews worked tirelessly through the night, and by 11:15 p.m., the fire was under control, though parts of the orthopedics unit had collapsed under the intense heat.
Officials emphasized that the main hospital building itself remained untouched by active flames, though smoke infiltration and water damage from firefighting efforts affected interior areas. No major injuries were reported among patients, staff, or responders, a fact that local news outlet WNEP-TV 16 highlighted in its coverage. The station reported that hospital staff, police officers from across the Mid-Valley area, EMS crews, the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, and Pennsylvania State Police all played crucial roles in the evacuation process, ensuring a swift and orderly transfer of the 77 patients.
The hospital, a key healthcare provider in the Scranton area serving thousands of residents annually, has been a cornerstone of the community since its expansion in recent years. The attached Scranton Orthopedics building, part of the facility's historical footprint, dates back decades and houses specialized services that are vital for orthopedic care in northeastern Pennsylvania. This incident marks a rare but serious disruption to operations at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono, which is known for its advanced medical services and has weathered various challenges, including the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional healthcare infrastructure.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene, as relayed through local media, described a chaotic yet controlled atmosphere as sirens blared and emergency lights illuminated the night sky. "It was scary seeing the smoke billowing from the roof," one hospital visitor told WNEP-TV, though specific names were not disclosed in initial reports. Firefighters, clad in protective gear, ascended ladders to combat the blaze from above, while ground teams focused on patient safety. The Dickson City Fire Department's post included images showing crews in action, with thick smoke rising against the dark backdrop of the hospital complex.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit, as announced by the Dickson City Fire Department. Preliminary assessments suggest the blaze originated in the roof structure, but no official determination has been made public. This ongoing probe is standard procedure for such incidents in healthcare settings, where safety protocols are rigorously enforced to prevent future risks. In recent years, similar fires in medical facilities across the U.S. have underscored the vulnerabilities of older buildings, often linked to electrical issues or maintenance oversights, though officials have not speculated on specifics here.
Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat serving his term in Harrisburg, quickly responded to the news via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight," he wrote, adding praise for the first responders: "Thank you to the brave men and women who ran toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians." Shapiro's message highlighted the statewide appreciation for local heroes, a sentiment echoed by community leaders in Lackawanna County, where hospital fires can ripple through tight-knit neighborhoods reliant on these institutions.
Patient transfers were handled with precision, according to hospital spokespeople cited by WNEP-TV. The 77 individuals, ranging from routine admissions to those requiring ongoing care, were moved to nearby facilities including Community Medical Center in Scranton and other regional hospitals. This redistribution ensured continuity of treatment, with no interruptions reported in critical services. The American Hospital Association has long noted that such evacuations, while rare, are rehearsed through regular drills to minimize risks, a practice that likely contributed to the smooth execution here.
Broader context reveals that northeastern Pennsylvania's healthcare system has faced increasing pressures, from staffing shortages to aging infrastructure in facilities like the Scranton Orthopedics building. Lehigh Valley Health Network, which operates the hospital, has invested millions in modernizations, but events like this fire expose the challenges of maintaining safety in hybrid old-new setups. Local officials, including those from the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, praised the collaborative response, noting it as a model for inter-agency cooperation in crisis situations.
As cleanup efforts begin, hospital administrators are assessing the extent of the damage. Smoke and water impacts could sideline parts of the facility for weeks, potentially shifting orthopedic services to alternative locations within the network. Insurance experts familiar with healthcare claims suggest that recovery costs could run into the millions, covering structural repairs and business interruptions. Meanwhile, the community has rallied, with social media posts from residents offering support and donations for affected staff.
The incident also draws parallels to other recent emergencies in the region, such as a fatal fire at an assisted-living facility earlier this year, where investigations revealed potential causes like faulty wiring—though no connections have been drawn to this hospital blaze. Bodycam footage from first responders in that case went viral, highlighting the dangers they face, a theme resonant with the heroism displayed Wednesday night. Pennsylvania's fire marshal units have ramped up inspections in public buildings following such events, aiming to bolster prevention measures statewide.
Looking ahead, the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit's investigation will be pivotal in determining not just the ignition source but also any lapses in building codes or maintenance. Fire Chief Chowanec and his team have already begun reviewing response protocols, potentially leading to enhanced training for hospital-adjacent fires. For the patients and families involved, the focus remains on recovery and normalcy, with hospital officials promising updates as services resume.
In a statement to Fox News, the network's coverage emphasized the rapid containment as a testament to effective emergency preparedness. "Crews battled the blaze as parts of the orthopedics unit collapsed," the report noted, underscoring the intensity of the operation. As Dickson City and surrounding areas reflect on the close call, the unwavering commitment of first responders continues to inspire confidence in the community's resilience against unforeseen threats.
This event serves as a reminder of the fragility of essential services in everyday life, particularly in healthcare where lives hang in the balance. With no injuries reported, the outcome is being hailed as fortunate, but it prompts questions about long-term safety investments in Pennsylvania's medical infrastructure. As the investigation unfolds, residents await answers that could prevent future scares in their vital local hospital.