Overview
- A fast‑moving blaze tore through the block‑long former furniture factory on North Front Street, escalating to a six‑alarm response and causing portions of the three‑story building to collapse.
- Firefighters from about 21 departments and roughly 200 personnel battled the fire overnight, brought it under control by early Thursday and began demolition after crews found recurring hot spots.
- Officials say one firefighter was injured and is expected to recover and no civilian fatalities were reported, but at least six homes across the street remain uninhabitable and dozens of residents were displaced.
- Utility companies shut off power and gas during the response, leaving thousands without service temporarily, and most power has since been restored while some recovery work continues.
- Lehigh County prosecutors and Allentown police announced on Friday that two juveniles face arson‑related charges and the Allentown Fire Marshal's Office continues its investigation.