Volunteer firefighters from several area fire companies responded around 8:15 p.m. April 11 for a four-alarm house fire at 4519 Peters Ave., North Whitehall Township.

Fire companies on the scene included: North Whitehall, Tri-Clover, Schnecksville, Neffs, Laury's Station, Germansville, Greenawalds, Woodlawn, Fogelsville, Weisenberg, Trexlertown, New Tripoli and Whitehall.

Due to a lack of fire hydrants, water was brought in by tanker trucks to battle the blaze.

In an email Tuesday to The Press, North Whitehall Township Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer Don Jacobs said the fire started in the rear, second-floor bedroom, on the floor where it meets the back wall.

Jacobs said the cause of the fire is under investigation but the primary focus of the investigation is an extension cord and powerstrip serving multiple chargers and devices.

"The house faces east on Route 309 in Orefield, between Shankweiler and Orefield roads," Jacobs said. "This is in Tri-Clover Fire Company's district."

"The fire was discovered by residents on the other side of Route 309. Thankfully, they saw it and called 911."

He said as a result of the caller's location, however, the initial dispatch came in across the street from the actual fire.

According to Jacobs, Schnecksville Fire Chief Ron Stahley was first on scene at 8:20 p.m. and he quickly broadcast the best access for certain apparatus was from Peters Avenue, the actual address of the fire.

Jacobs said the terrain and property conditions complicated firefighters' ability to attack the fire and a 5-foot chain link fence had to be cut down with saws.

Large trees surrounding the house gave the aerial truck only one opening to the structure, and it worked, Jacobs added.

He said this was a very difficult fire for firefighters to attack and suppress.

"When we arrived this fire had already burned through the walls and roof of the bedroom," Jacobs said. "This had every expectation of growing to involve the entire structure."

"The complement of many surrounding fire stations gave our officers and crew time to evaluate and think through attack plans.

"Without that luxury, this could have had significantly different results for the homeowner and the fire team."

There were no reports of injuries, Jacobs said but a pet turtle in the front bedroom died from smoke inhalation.

Jacobs said the fire was called under control at 11:30 p.m.

Northern Valley EMS also assisted at the scene.

According to Lehigh County assessment, the 2-1/2 story single-family home, built in 1875, is owned by Gary H. Henry.