Authorities told residents in Bethlehem to stay in their homes as a warehouse fire created smoky conditions in the region.
Firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze in the commercial property on Mauch Chunk Road before 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to officials.
Crews got the fire under control about three hours after they arrived on the scene.
The shelter in place orders were in place until about 8:45 a.m. At that point, officials lifted the order.
Bethlehem Police said they are warning neighbors to stay indoors if they see thick smoke outside their homes and to keep their windows and doors shut. People as far away as Allentown reported seeing the thick clouds of smoke.
James Buchanan Elementary School, located at 1621 Catasauqa Road, was used as a temporary shelter for nearby residents. School officials did not immediately respond to questions about how this may affect students.
Moravian College -- the campus is located across the street from the warehouse -- issued a statement telling students with cars parked on West Laurel Street to leave their vehicles where they are. "Do not drive over hoses," the school's website said. "All roads west of campus are closed due to a fire; including Mauch Chunk & Elizabeth Ave. There is NO threat to campus."
The blaze also caused about 370 PPL Electric customers to lose power, officials said.
Disaster volunteers from the Lehigh Valley chapter of the American Red Cross were on the scene starting around 6 a.m. They are standing by to assist locals.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The last known business to occupy the warehouse was Damper Design.
Authorities gave no indication that the smoke is toxic and no injuries have been reported.
No word yet on the fire's cause. Crews remained on the scene Wednesday to monitor conditions and investigate the blaze.
