TL;DR
Fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s attached orthopedic center forces evacuation of 77 patients in Dickson City, Pennsylvania; state fire marshal probing the cause.
Why This Matters
Hospital fires are rare, but when they happen, they can quickly disrupt critical care for entire regions. The blaze in Dickson City, roughly six miles north of Scranton, forced the rapid relocation of dozens of patients, including those in intensive care, and highlighted how dependent communities are on a small number of facilities.
This incident also underscores the strain on regional health systems when one campus goes offline, even partially. Nearby hospitals must absorb evacuated patients while maintaining routine and emergency services for their own communities.
The fire was confined to an outpatient orthopedic building attached to a newer hospital structure, but smoke and water damage in the main facility will likely complicate operations. Investigators now have to determine whether construction, building age, or other factors played a role.
For state and local officials, the fire is an immediate test of emergency planning, coordination between health and public safety agencies, and the resiliency of medical infrastructure in smaller cities and towns.
Key Facts & Quotes
Local emergency officials said the fire broke out Wednesday night at a building connected to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, Pennsylvania. Crews battled the blaze into early Thursday.
According to the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, 77 patients were evacuated to other area hospitals, including six from intensive care units. One firefighter was transported to another hospital after experiencing chest pains.
Authorities said the fire was contained to an outpatient orthopedic area located in the roof of the original building, formerly known as Scranton Orthopedics, which is attached to the newer Lehigh Valley Hospital structure. Local fire officials described the orthopedic unit as a total loss.
While flames did not spread into the main hospital building, officials reported smoke and water damage there. Video and photos from the scene showed heavy fire and thick smoke pouring from the older section of the complex as firefighters worked from aerial ladders.
Structure Fire- Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania. All patients and staff reportedly evacuated. pic.twitter.com/FB1UBgGsAQ
— Corey Plaziak (@cplaziak) February 5, 2026
Pennsylvania State Police, the state emergency management agency, and the Department of Health responded to the site. Governor Josh Shapiro said in a social media post, “Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians,” adding that he and his wife, Lori, were “praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight.” State police said the Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.
What It Means for You
For residents of northeastern Pennsylvania, the fire may temporarily change where they receive hospital care, especially for orthopedic services and some outpatient visits. Patients with upcoming appointments at the Dickson City campus may be redirected to other locations within the Lehigh Valley Health Network or nearby hospitals.
More broadly, this latest update is a reminder to ask how your local hospital prepares for fires and other emergencies. Health systems often have detailed evacuation and transfer plans, but events like this test how well they work in practice.
In the coming days, watch for information on the extent of smoke and water damage, how long repairs will take, and whether any services will be reduced or moved. The fire marshal’s findings could also influence building codes, renovation plans, or safety upgrades at older medical facilities across the region.
How confident do you feel in your local hospital’s emergency and evacuation plans after hearing about incidents like this?
Sources: Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency statements reported Feb. 4, 2026; Dickson City Fire Department statements reported Feb. 4, 2026; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro public social media post on Feb. 4, 2026; Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal investigation notice reported Feb. 4, 2026.
