EMMAUS, Pa. — No serious injuries were reported in an overnight fire that tore through a borough apartment complex, damaging 16 units and displacing dozens, the fire chief said.
It happened at the Colonial Crest Apartments at 1025 Cold Stream Circle around 3:15 a.m., said Emmaus Fire Chief John Price.
- The Emmaus Fire Department enlisted the help of the American Red Cross
- A temporary care center has been set up at Emmaus High School, 500 Macungie Ave.
- The blaze broke out in apartments off Cold Stream Circle about 3 a.m. Saturday
He said a resident in the apartment where the fire started was alerted by a smoke detector. Price wouldn't elaborate on the exact cause of the fire but said it was accidental and not suspicious.
"The smoke alarm alerted the occupant that the fire had started," he said. "It was probably very helpful that we have no fatalities or serious injuries. Smoke alarms save lives."
About 60 firefighters from across Lehigh County responded to the three-alarm call, according to Price.
Colonial Crest is a three-story complex with 36 apartments in three connected sections. Price said 16 apartments received damage.
”We have eight heavily impacted and probably another eight with minor damage – smoke and water mostly,” he said. The rest of the complex remains without power and water service.
Price said two residents had minor smoke-related injuries. A firefighter also was checked for a minor injury, he said.
"The smoke alarm alerted the occupant that the fire had started. It was probably very helpful that we have no fatalities or serious injuries. Smoke alarms save lives."John Price, Emmaus fire chief
Fire spread from the first apartment to others up the walls and through the floor, according to the chief.
The fire department called in the American Red Cross to assist residents.
UPDATE: We've opened an overnight shelter for residents affected by this morning's apartment fire in Emmaus at Emmaus High School (500 Macungie Ave). We're providing food, care and comfort for displaced residents at the shelter. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free. pic.twitter.com/f1hR5LPjzt
— American Red Cross Greater PA (@RedCrossGPA) June 24, 2023
The Red Cross opened a reception center and shelter at nearby Emmaus High School to provide emergency assistance, food, comfort and information, according to a news release.
Overnight shelter will be available.
"Anyone affected by the fire who chooses not to stay overnight is still welcome at the shelter for meals and other Red Cross assistance," the Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross said in a statement.
Because of the fire damage and power outages, the entire Colonial Crest complex is affected.
"Red Cross caseworkers will continue to help the impacted residents in the days and weeks ahead by working with community partners to ensure the residents receive the resources they need to recover from this disaster," said the statement.
Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance should call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
