The skyline of Lackawanna County was lit by an orange glow late Wednesday night, but it wasn’t the city lights. A massive, multi-alarm fire erupted at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) – Dickson City, forcing a chaotic but heroic evacuation of nearly 80 patients into the freezing February air. As the smoke clears on Thursday morning, February 5, 2026, the community is left asking: How did this happen at a state-of-the-art facility, and what happens to the patients now?
At TruthRoute, we have gathered the latest dispatch logs, eyewitness accounts, and official statements from Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) to provide a comprehensive breakdown of this emergency. From the first 911 call to the current status of the “Main Avenue” closure, here is the full report on the Lehigh Valley Hospital fire.
The Incident: How the Fire Started and Spread
The emergency began at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4. The fire appears to have originated in the rear wing of the hospital complex, specifically the area housing Scranton Orthopaedics. This section of the building is connected to the newer, $100 million hospital facility that opened to much fanfare in 2022.
While the fire was largely contained to the rooftop and the upper exterior of the orthopedic wing, the intensity of the flames required a “multi-alarm” response. Fire companies from Dickson City, Scranton, Olyphant, Taylor, and as far as Pittston rushed to the scene. The primary challenge for firefighters was the 20°F temperatures, which caused water from the hoses to freeze instantly on the pavement, creating treacherous conditions for both rescuers and fleeing patients.
The Evacuation: 77 Patients, Zero Injuries
The most remarkable part of this disaster is the human outcome. According to a statement released by LVHN officials at 2:00 a.m. on February 5, exactly 77 patients were successfully evacuated. Despite the speed of the fire, there were no reported deaths or serious injuries—a feat that Governor Josh Shapiro has already labeled “nothing short of a miracle.”
Where Were the Patients Taken?
Evacuating a hospital is far more complex than a standard building. Many patients were in mid-recovery or connected to life-saving equipment. The staging process was handled with surgical precision:
- Immediate Staging: Patients were initially moved to 316 Main Ave, a nearby facility used as a temporary warming center.
- Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC): Admitted 8 of the most critical patients transferred from the scene.
- Geisinger Wyoming Valley: Accepted specialized orthopedic cases.
- Regional Hospital of Scranton: Handled the overflow of emergency room patients who were in the bays when the fire started.
The Aftermath: Damage Assessment and Hospital Status
As of today, Thursday morning, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Dickson City is officially CLOSED. While the fire was contained to the roof and the orthopedic wing, the entire facility has suffered significant “collateral damage.”
1. Smoke and Water Intrusion
Modern hospitals rely on HEPA filtration and sterile environments. The thick black smoke from the roofing materials has permeated the HVAC system of the main hospital. Even without fire damage, the surgical suites and patient rooms will require deep forensic cleaning before they can be cleared for use.
2. Structural Integrity and Power
Power was cut to the building to prevent electrical explosions during the firefighting efforts. State fire marshals and structural engineers are currently on-site to determine if the intense heat of the rooftop blaze compromised the steel support beams of the rear wing.
3. Main Avenue Closures
A half-mile stretch of Main Avenue in Dickson City remains closed to traffic. Local police are asking residents to avoid the area to allow heavy machinery and investigative units access to the site. If you typically commute through Dickson City via Main Ave, expect significant delays through the weekend.
E-E-A-T Signal: Official Response and Investigation
To ensure our readers get the most trustworthy information, we have monitored the official responses from local and state leaders. U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan Jr. visited the scene at midnight, praising the “unbelievable bravery” of the nurses who stayed with their patients until every room was cleared.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit is currently leading the investigation. While it is too early to name a specific cause, investigators are focusing on the rooftop heating units and recent maintenance work that may have been performed on the orthopedic wing earlier in the week. No evidence of arson or foul play has been found at this stage.
What Should Local Residents Do Now?
If you or a family member relied on the Dickson City facility for care, here is your immediate action plan:
- Upcoming Appointments: If you had a surgery or consultation scheduled for Feb 5th or 6th, do not show up. LVHN staff will contact you via the MyLVHN portal to reschedule or move your appointment to their Cedar Crest or Hazleton locations.
- Emergency Care: The 19-bay ER is offline. In an emergency, call 911 or head to the Regional Hospital of Scranton.
- Family Inquiries: A temporary hotline has been set up for families looking for their displaced loved ones: 610-402-0498.
Conclusion: A Community Tested
The Lehigh Valley Hospital fire of 2026 will be remembered as a night of terror that was overcome by professional excellence. While the building sits dark and scarred today, the fact that 77 vulnerable people are safe in warm beds this morning is a testament to the emergency training of our local healthcare workers.
TruthRoute will continue to monitor the Fire Marshal’s report. As soon as a reopening date for the Emergency Room or the Orthopedic Institute is announced, we will update this guide immediately.
Were you a witness to the fire or an evacuated patient? Your story matters. Share your experience or give a shout-out to the first responders in the comments below to help us document this local history.
