ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Firefighters battled a three-alarm blaze that tore through a residential building near 12th and Hamilton streets Monday.
The fire at 1138 Hamilton St. drew a large response by firefighters and rescue crews in scorching heat.
The brick building contains six apartments, according to a tenant.
Flames could be seen coming from the roof as a column of dark smoke visible for miles rose from the burning building. Adjoining buildings also appeared to be involved.
There were no immediate reports of injuries; several ambulances were on the scene.
The fire started around 5:30 p.m.
"I came home rushing from the gym just for my dog," said tenant Juan Diego Bustamante Patino, who retrieved the pet. "I didn't care about anything else."
Power was out in the area as firefighters worked. Fifty-eight PPL customers were affected, according to the utility company's outage map.
The city fire department and others outside Allentown responded to the call.
"I came home rushing from the gym just for my dog. I didn't care about anything else."Juan Diego Bustamante Patino, resident
The property at 1138 Hamilton St. is owned by Jaqueia Jackson of Allentown, according to Lehigh County assessment records.
Firefighters began to enter the Somach Building next door at 1132-1136 Hamilton St. around 8 p.m. with hoses. The side of the office building closest to 1138 Hamilton St. appeared charred, with siding ripped off.
As of 9:40 p.m., a Central Fire Station phone operator confirmed crews were still battling the fire.
