A massive fire broke out at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday (February 5) night, forcing the evacuation of more than 70 patients as flames engulfed part of the facility.
Emergency crews responded to the scene just before 10 p.m. when flames were spotted coming from the roof of the hospital. The fire spread through the Scranton Orthopedics building, which is attached to the main hospital.
All patients, staff, and visitors were safely evacuated from the facility, a hospital spokesperson confirmed. The evacuated patients have been transferred to other local medical facilities for continued care.
"The main hospital building did not experience fire damage, but did sustain smoke and water damage," officials noted. Fire crews managed to bring the blaze under control around 11:15 p.m., though emergency responders continued working at the scene into early Thursday morning.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro responded to the emergency on social media, confirming that state police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Health were on scene helping with evacuation efforts and securing the area.
"Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians," Governor Shapiro wrote on X. "Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight."
U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan Jr., whose district includes Dickson City, also expressed gratitude to emergency personnel, saying, "Deep gratitude goes to the first responders and hospital teams whose swift, professional actions ensured the safety and well-being of everyone involved."
Videos and photos shared online showed dramatic scenes of flames shooting from the top of the hospital's Orthopedic Institute. Dickson City is located approximately 6 miles north of Scranton.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet reported any injuries related to the incident.