At 17:39 Northampton County fire dispatched Northampton Boro Station 42, 43, 46 and Rescue 1541 (F.A.S.T.) and EMS 49 to 851 Main Street on a report of a house fire across from that address. Dispatch immediately alerted all companies of a working fire.

On arrival, Chief 42-52 found fire venting from the roof of the 3-story duplex and signaled a working fire with an address of 840 Main Street. The 1st alarm was then filled out sending additional companies. Engine 42-12 arrived and brought water to the fire from a hydrant on Main Street just north of East 9th Street. Tower Ladder 46 positioned in front of the building and put their bucket in-service with the master stream to make a quick hit on the fire. Ladder 43 (North Catasauqua) also positioned in front of the fire building and put the stick up to the roof of the exposure (side 2) when they arrived at 17:47.

The tower ladder darkened down the bulk of the fire for the interior crew to gain access to the 3rd floor where they used a hand line to hit the rest of the fire.

Crews worked for an hour to bring the fire under control. Most of the damage was contained to the attic and roof of the original fire building.

Red Cross was notified to assist 6 people that were displaced by the fire.

Coplay Police closed their side of the Coplay / Northampton bridge for the duration of the fire.