Lehigh Valley Hospital Fire Prompts Evacuation, 1 Firefighter Injured

The blaze was contained to the outpatient orthopedic area, but the main hospital sustained smoke and water damage.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 1:55am

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A fire broke out at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, Pennsylvania on Wednesday night, prompting the evacuation of 77 patients, including 6 ICU patients, to other area hospitals. One firefighter was treated for chest pains. The fire originated in the roof of the original orthopedic building attached to the main hospital, which is now considered a total loss.

Why it matters

Hospital fires present unique challenges due to the vulnerability of patients and the complexity of healthcare facilities. The rapid evacuation of 77 patients, including those in critical care, demonstrates the preparedness of the hospital and local emergency services.

The details

The fire broke out in the roof of the original Scranton Orthopedics building, which is attached to the newer Lehigh Valley Hospital structure. While the main hospital building did not experience fire damage, it did sustain smoke and water damage. Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health were all present at the scene.

  • The fire broke out on Wednesday night and continued into early Thursday morning.
  • The evacuation of 77 patients, including 6 ICU patients, occurred on Wednesday night.

The players

Lehigh Valley Hospital

A hospital located in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.

Tom Taylor

Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency official who reported on the evacuation of patients.

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania who acknowledged the incident and offered support.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians... Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania (Social media)

What’s next

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of hospital preparedness and the quick response of emergency services in protecting vulnerable patients during a crisis. As the investigation continues, the community will be focused on restoring full functionality to the affected orthopedic services.