Fire crews from Lower Macungie and Macungie fire departments along with EMS crews from Macungie ambulance responded to a reported mobile home fire at 5457 Hartford Court, Lower Macungie Township, just before 5 a.m. Sept. 27.

When crews arrived, there was no fire but they discovered a possible chemical bloom which forced the evacuation of 11 homes in the area. Fire crews were also assisted by the Lehigh County Haz-Mat, County Animal Response Team and special units from the state police. Lower Macungie township opened the community center to provide shelter and food for the displaced families, while members of the County Animal Response Team set up a temporary animal shelter for families who were able to bring pets with them to the community center. CART members also responded to the scene and were able to rescue some animals from the evacuated homes. Most families were able to return to their home around 10 a.m.