A fast-moving fire forced the evacuation of patients from a Pennsylvania hospital as flames tore through part of the facility. All patients, staff, and visitors were safely evacuated from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City after a blaze broke out late Wednesday, according to a hospital spokesperson. Emergency crews remained on scene into early Thursday as firefighters worked to contain the damage. State agencies quickly mobilized. Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X that the Pennsylvania State Police, the Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Health responded to the incident. “Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro wrote, adding that he and his wife were praying for patients, staff, and the community. Video and photos posted online showed flames shooting from the roof of what appeared to be the hospital’s Orthopedic Institute. Authorities said the fire did not spread inside the building, though smoke and water damage were reported. According to PBS and NPR affiliate WVIA, 77 patients were evacuated, including six in intensive care who were moved first. Some patients were asleep when the fire was reported at 9:40 p.m. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
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