Allentown fire: 2 juveniles charged with setting massive blaze that destroyed old factory, damaged homes

Two juveniles have been charged with setting a massive fire in Allentown that destroyed a former furniture factory and damaged numerous homes.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca announced Friday that the two unnamed youths were in custody and their charges will be handled in juvenile court. The juveniles’ names and ages were not released.

The charges against them include arson, recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy and causing a catastrophe. The investigation is ongoing, Holihan said.

The fire broke out at the former American Atelier furniture factory at 249 N. Front St. around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday. Smoke from the huge blaze could be seen from miles away, and 21 fire departments were called in to battle the fire, which was brought under control around 7:30 a.m. Thursday. One firefighter was hurt.

A massive cleanup of the site is under way.

At a news conference on Front Street late Friday afternoon, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk said seven homes were damaged in the blaze, and 30 adults and six children were displaced. One family was able to return home Friday.

Tuerk called the blaze “one of the most significant fires in the city of Allentown’s history” and urged people who want to help to donate to the Red Cross.

“Our hearts go out to the people who were affected and who are going through the most difficult, unimaginable time,” Tuerk said. “We’re grateful for everybody who stepped up and helped those individuals. We know that everyone is going to continue to show up, because that’s what Allentonians do.”

Tuerk thanked the firefighters who stopped the blaze from consuming more homes as it tore through the vacant factory and into the surrounding community.

“I think pretty much every firefighter in the city of Allentown was on scene helping out that night through unbelievably hot flames,” he said.

Allentown Fire Chief Efrain Agosto said the fire was one of the most intense his crew had ever encountered.

“When we arrived, the flames were already through the roof and out through every single window," Agosto said.

Chief Fire Marshal Jon Steed said the investigation involved the ATF, Lehigh County Emergency Management and the Philadelphia Police Department canine unit.

“I want to make it clear that the City of Allentown Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue arsonists,” Steed said.

Roca declined to give more details about the investigation that led them to the juveniles.

Under Pennsylvania juvenile law, detained youths must have a hearing before a judge within 72 hours. In most cases, these hearings and the subsequent adjudication proceedings - the juvenile court equivalent of a trial - are held behind closed doors.

There are no set sentences in juvenile court. Punishment for arson can range from probation to time in a locked juvenile detention facility.

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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 4:23 PM.