ALLENTOWN, PA - On July 8th around 5:30 P.mM., the AFD was dispatched to a house fire in the vicinity of 12th and Hamilton Streets. Responding companies reported a large column of smoke, and command regarded it as a working fire.

First due Truck 2 arrived at 1138 Hamilton St. to find heavy fire in the rear of a three-story building, along with a box truck, and a second and third floor exposure problem at 1136 Hamilton St. Second and third alarms were transmitted. All four city current and reserve aerials were assigned and placed on the firegrounds.

The residents of the six apartments at 1138 were searched for and evacuated safely. Downed power lines in the rear became an issue and PPL was notified immediately. As things started to deteriorate with the interior attack, an exterior attack was established. Eventually there was a partial collapse in the rear of 1138. The fire damaged a mix of residential and commercial buildings, with the worst being 1138 and 1140 Hamilton St. The other two buildings received smoke and water damage.

Six firefighters and a civilian were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Rehab units were kept busy with water, etc., as the temperatures were around 90-plus-degrees. Firefighters from Cetronia, Catasauqua, West Catasauqua, Woodlawn, Greenawalds were on scene. Also on scene were the North Penn Goodwill Service of Souderton with their canteen and rest room trucks. Twenty-one residents were displaced by the fire and one dog was rescued. Around 10:00 P.M., the bulk of the fire had darkened down except for several hot spots.