Staff and 77 ‘Shocked’ Patients Evacuated as Flames Engulf Hospital in Pennsylvania; ‘All Hands on Deck’

A hospital in Dickson City, Pa., was evacuated Wednesday night after a fire broke out on the roof, prompting a large-scale response from local and state agencies.

The Dickson City Fire Department said in a Facebook post that crews were dispatched to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City at about 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4. According to the department, the flames were located on the roof of the original structure — a building formerly known as Scranton Orthopedics — which is attached to a newer hospital addition.

Officials said the fire did not spread into the interior of the hospital, but the connected structure sustained smoke and water damage.’

Patients Moved Out as Multiple Agencies Respond

Firefighters arriving on scene found law enforcement from across the Mid Valley area, hospital staff, and EMS already working to move patients to safety.

“Upon arrival, Numerous Police from across the Mid Valley area, hospital staff and EMS were in the process of evacuating hospital patients and did a tremendous job,” the fire department said.

Lackawanna County EMA and Pennsylvania State Police also assisted with the evacuation. Per PBS and NPR affiliate WVIA , six of the 77 evacuated patients were in intensive care and were moved first.

In photos shared by the fire department, the hospital’s Orthopedic Institute appeared engulfed in flames.

WVIA, citing officials, reported that no patients, staff, or firefighters were injured. Some patients were reportedly asleep in the four-story hospital when the fire was first reported around 9:40 p.m.

“Everybody is safe,” Dickson City Fire Chief Rich Chowanec said, per the outlet. “All four floors of the hospital, plus the emergency room, were evacuated. They did a fantastic job.”

Fire Contained, Damage Limited by Firewall

After the blaze was brought under control, Chowanec told local media that the hospital’s electricity was shut off as crews worked to secure the building. He added that a firewall meant to prevent fire from spreading between the orthopedics center and the main hospital played a key role in limiting the impact.

“Electricity was shut off. A firewall designed to prevent fire from spreading between the orthopedics center and the main hospital saved the main hospital from extensive damage.”

Officials React as Investigation Begins

Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro wrote on X, “Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians. Lori [Shapiro, his wife] and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight.”

State Rep. for Dickson City, Bridget Kosierowski, praised what she described as an “all-hands-on-deck” response, per WVIA.

“I think these patients are in shock,” Kosierowski said. “They just got bolted out of a hospital that is on fire. This is unprecedented.”

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit is investigating the incident, according to the Dickson City Fire Department. Officials have not yet said what caused the fire.