Fire Erupts at Pennsylvania Hospital, Leading to Evacuation of Multiple Patients

A fire erupted at a northeastern Pennsylvania hospital, creating a dramatic scene as smoke billowed into the sky. The incident prompted the evacuation of dozens of patients and the mobilization of emergency medical crews from across the region, according to authorities.

The blaze occurred on Wednesday night at the Lehigh Valley Hospital campus in Dickson City. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Fire officials indicated that the fire drew all available emergency medical services within a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius. As of Thursday, the hospital remained closed while officials assessed the damage, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Shellie Wass.

Footage captured by bystanders showed thick smoke rising above the hospital’s entrance, while firefighters worked diligently on ladders to contain the flames. One video depicted patients, some on gurneys, being loaded into a line of ambulances for transport to other medical facilities.

The fire originated on the roof of an older medical office building, previously known as Scranton Orthopedics, and did not spread to the main hospital building, officials clarified.

In total, more than 70 patients were evacuated, with most being transferred to nearby hospitals. Geisinger hospitals received 13 of these patients, including 12 transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center and one to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, as stated by Geisinger spokesperson Richard Mattei.

As of Thursday morning, five patients were reported in fair condition, three in good condition, and one in critical condition. The remaining four patients had been released, although Geisinger did not specify whether their conditions were related to the fire.

Dickson City Fire Chief Richard Chowanec noted that the alarm was upgraded upon arrival to bring in additional resources. Police from surrounding areas assisted hospital staff and emergency medical crews in the evacuation process as firefighters arrived on the scene.

Governor Josh Shapiro expressed gratitude on X, stating that state police, the emergency management agency, and the health department responded promptly to the fire. “Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro remarked. “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 commended the first responders, praising their swift and professional actions during the crisis.

Photo: This photo provided by NEPA Fire Photography shows firefighters battling a blaze at the Lehigh Valley Hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Dickson City, Pa. (NEPA Fire Photography via AP)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Pennsylvania

A fire erupted at a northeastern Pennsylvania hospital, creating a dramatic scene as smoke billowed into the sky. The incident prompted the evacuation of dozens of patients and the mobilization of emergency medical crews from across the region, according to authorities.

The blaze occurred on Wednesday night at the Lehigh Valley Hospital campus in Dickson City. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Fire officials indicated that the fire drew all available emergency medical services within a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius. As of Thursday, the hospital remained closed while officials assessed the damage, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Shellie Wass.

Footage captured by bystanders showed thick smoke rising above the hospital’s entrance, while firefighters worked diligently on ladders to contain the flames. One video depicted patients, some on gurneys, being loaded into a line of ambulances for transport to other medical facilities.

The fire originated on the roof of an older medical office building, previously known as Scranton Orthopedics, and did not spread to the main hospital building, officials clarified.

In total, more than 70 patients were evacuated, with most being transferred to nearby hospitals. Geisinger hospitals received 13 of these patients, including 12 transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center and one to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, as stated by Geisinger spokesperson Richard Mattei.

As of Thursday morning, five patients were reported in fair condition, three in good condition, and one in critical condition. The remaining four patients had been released, although Geisinger did not specify whether their conditions were related to the fire.

Dickson City Fire Chief Richard Chowanec noted that the alarm was upgraded upon arrival to bring in additional resources. Police from surrounding areas assisted hospital staff and emergency medical crews in the evacuation process as firefighters arrived on the scene.

Governor Josh Shapiro expressed gratitude on X, stating that state police, the emergency management agency, and the health department responded promptly to the fire. “Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro remarked. “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 commended the first responders, praising their swift and professional actions during the crisis.

Photo: This photo provided by NEPA Fire Photography shows firefighters battling a blaze at the Lehigh Valley Hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Dickson City, Pa. (NEPA Fire Photography via AP)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
Pennsylvania