Firefighters Rescue Multiple Residents from Blaze in Downtown Easton

Firefighter injured, building severely damaged in five-alarm fire at Hotel Hampton

Feb. 21, 2026 at 8:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters rescued around nine residents who were hanging out of windows as a fire consumed a five-story building in downtown Easton, Pennsylvania on Friday. One firefighter was seriously injured and three others sustained minor injuries, while four citizens were also hospitalized. The blaze, which started in the basement, quickly spread throughout the 48-unit rooming house, forcing a shift to defensive firefighting tactics.

Why it matters

The dramatic rescue efforts highlight the dangers that firefighters face in responding to fast-moving structural fires, especially in older buildings with combustible materials. The incident also underscores the need for robust fire safety codes and enforcement to protect vulnerable residents in multi-unit housing.

The details

The fire at the Hotel Hampton on Northampton Street was initially reported as an electrical fire in the basement around 10:45 a.m. on Friday. By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had already spread throughout the building, with multiple residents hanging out of windows on all sides. One firefighter issued a mayday call after running out of air and getting lost in the thick smoke, but was rescued by other crews. The five-story building, constructed in the 1900s with wood and brick, had a rear addition made of more combustible materials that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

  • The fire was initially reported at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Around 30 minutes into the firefighting efforts, a firefighter issued a mayday call after running out of air and getting lost in the smoke.

The players

Henry Hennings

Easton fire Chief who provided details on the rescue efforts and firefighter injuries.

Bobby Lewullis

A career firefighter with the Wilson fire department who was seriously injured in the blaze and remained in the ICU.

Zachary Lysek

Northampton County coroner who was on scene as a precaution as crews prepared to search the rubble.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want those people who have not checked in to check in.”

— Henry Hennings, Easton fire Chief

What’s next

Officials continue to evaluate the structural integrity of the building and check on several sinkholes that were forming underneath it. The American Red Cross is operating a shelter at Paxinosa Elementary School to assist the displaced residents.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical role of firefighters in responding to fast-moving structural fires, especially in older, multi-unit buildings. It underscores the need for robust fire safety codes and enforcement to protect vulnerable residents and the bravery of first responders who put their lives on the line to save others.