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Two Homes in Tamaqua Ruined by Fire

TAMAQUA — Fire damaged two homes in Tamaqua Friday morning.

TAMAQUA -- Fire damaged two homes in Tamaqua Friday morning. The homes in the 500 block of North Railroad Street caught fire around 8:30 a.m.

Flames heavily damaged the rear of the homes.

The flames damaged two houses, one of which belonged to a family of seven. All seven people were able to get out of that home safely.

Firefighters say they battled flames in the kitchen of the home where the fire started but still don't know what caused the fire.

People who live near North Railroad Street in Tamaqua woke up to flames and sirens.

"We just heard a bunch of fire trucks, and we could smell the smoke," Jennifer Richmond said.

"When I got here I saw all the firemen on the scene and the smoke coming out and them controlling the blaze," Amy Marcin recalled.

The call came in around 8:30 a.m. Firefighters say the flames started in the vacant home and then spread to the one next door.

Seven people were in the home next to where the fire started. Neighbors say they're happy all of them made it out OK.

"We were concerned because they do have a lot of kids, so we were worried about everyone getting out and wondered if their pets go out," Richmond said.

"I know their one son lives at home, his girlfriend and their children. I know they just had a baby this past week, so there was a newborn infant in the house. That's why I said I'm glad everybody got out safely, especially that baby," said Marcin.

Amy Marcin lives right next door to the homes and was not at home when the fire happened. She says she got here as quickly as she could because she was worried about the fire spreading to her home.

"I just got a little panicky. They said they were squirting down my garage, so I was hoping my property didn't get damaged. I'm just thankful."

Tamaqua's fire department will be working with the state police fire marshal to determine the cause of the fire.

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