A blaze erupted at the Fairmount Place Apartments on the evening of December 13, sending hundreds of residents scrambling for safety and prompting a swift, multi‑agency response.
Fire Breaks Out
Firefighters were dispatched to 1 Maryland Circle in Whitehall Township just before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, after the fire department received a call from the Whitehall Township Fire Department. The incident involved the Fairmount Place Apartments, a multi‑unit complex in Lehigh County.
Evacuation Effort
Officials from the fire and police departments coordinated a rapid evacuation that saw nearly 400 residents leave the building. The blaze was quickly upgraded to a fourth‑alarm situation as crews worked to contain the spread.
Controlling the Blaze
It took firefighters roughly one hour to bring the fire under control. After the main flames were extinguished, crews remained on site for several hours to check for hot spots and ensure the structure was safe.
Medical Response
During the incident, one resident was examined by medical personnel on scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. The resident received care for any injuries or smoke inhalation.
Firefighter Injuries
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the operation. Both were taken to the hospital for evaluation, but the injuries were reported as non‑serious.
Red Cross Assistance
The American Red Cross arrived promptly to support the displaced residents. They set up temporary shelter arrangements and coordinated resources for those affected.
Temporary Shelter Bus
A dedicated bus was used to transport evacuees to a safe location. The bus provided a temporary shelter for residents while they awaited further assistance.
Whitehall High School
After the bus transit, evacuees were brought to Whitehall High School, where they received additional support and a place to stay while the situation was assessed.
Damage Assessment
The fire chief reported that 32 apartment units suffered damage from the fire. These units will require repairs before residents can return to their homes.
Units Needing Restoration
In addition to the damaged units, four apartments were so severely affected that they will need complete restoration. The extent of the damage will dictate the timeline for rebuilding.
Investigation
An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway. Authorities are gathering evidence to determine how the blaze started and whether any safety protocols were breached.
Official Statements
Whitehall Township officials emphasized the importance of rapid response and community cooperation during the crisis. They also thanked first responders and volunteers for their dedication.
Community Impact
The incident disrupted daily life for nearly 400 residents, many of whom are families with children. Local businesses and services are also adjusting to the sudden influx of evacuees.
Recovery Steps
Residents who were displaced are being offered temporary housing options and assistance with moving and repair costs. The township is coordinating with state agencies for additional support.
Timeline
The fire was extinguished within an hour of arrival, but cleanup and assessment activities are expected to continue for several days. Full restoration of the affected units may take months.
Safety Measures
Officials are reviewing building codes and fire safety protocols to prevent future incidents. Enhanced fire detection and suppression systems are being considered for the complex.
Future Prevention
The township plans to conduct outreach to residents about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Training sessions and informational materials will be distributed.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 400 residents evacuated from Fairmount Place Apartments after a fourth‑alarm fire.
- 32 units damaged; 4 units require complete restoration.
- Investigation into fire cause is ongoing; authorities are coordinating recovery.
The fire at Fairmount Place Apartments highlighted the critical role of emergency services and community support in times of crisis. Residents, officials, and volunteers are working together to restore safety and stability to the affected area.
