Allentown, Pennsylvania, fire forces evacuations, destroys industrial building

A massive fire in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was brought under control after about two hours Wednesday night after it forced nearby residents to evacuate their homes.

Crews were called out to the six-alarm fire at an old furniture factory on the 300 block of North Front Street around 8:45 p.m. Firefighters had to retreat from the building to avoid collapses.

The blaze also spread across the street and damaged seven homes.

Residents on the 300 block of Front Street were asked to exit their homes through their backyards and get away from the scene. Others nearby were told to shelter in place Wednesday night.

Police and firefighters helped evacuate residents.  

PPL Electric Utilities shut off power in the area, knocking out electricity for over 1,600 customers — as of 5 a.m. that number was down to about 1,000 customers.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries in the incident but is expected to recover.

Firefighters from more than two dozen nearby departments assisted Allentown in the response.

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania said it's responding to the fire. Fire officials encouraged displaced residents to reach out to the Red Cross or the Allentown fire marshal's office.

It's unclear how the blaze started.