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In Dickson City, Pennsylvania, emergency responders swiftly tackled a fire and evacuated patients from a local hospital, with no injuries reported, according to authorities.
On Wednesday night, around 9:40 p.m., a fire ignited on the roof of an older structure at the Lehigh Valley Hospital campus, previously known as Scranton Orthopedics. The main hospital building, which is connected to this structure, was not directly affected by the fire, as stated by fire officials. However, smoke and water caused some damage.
Over 70 patients were safely relocated to various hospitals and care facilities throughout the region. During this large-scale evacuation, all available emergency medical services within a 50-mile radius were called into action, officials reported.
Fire Chief Richard Chowanec noted that upon arrival, the fire alarm level was raised to enlist more resources. As firefighters reached the scene, police from the Mid Valley area, alongside hospital staff and EMS teams, were already in the process of evacuating patients.
“All patients, staff, and visitors were safely evacuated,” a hospital spokesperson confirmed. Emergency personnel continued to monitor the situation into early Thursday morning.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X that state police, the emergency management agency and the health department responded to the fire.
“Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said. “Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight.”
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., whose district includes the city, also thanked first responders, calling their actions swift and professional.