According to information provided by Weisenberg Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian Carl, firefighters from several area departments were dispatched around 3:04 p.m. on Feb. 13 for a fire on a rear porch at 2206 Seipstown Road, Weisenberg Township.

Fogelsville and Weisenberg firefighters discovered a large fire in the rear of the home.

A second alarm was struck at 3:12 p.m. and multiple tankers were needed to transport water to the scene from about a mile away at a hydrant at the corner of Clearwater Circle and Seipstown Road.

The fire was declared under control in about an hour.

Firefighters stayed on the scene until about 6:30 p.m. checking for hot spots, investigating and cleaning up.

Carl said approximately three-quarters of the first floor of the home sustained significant damage.

Two people lived in the home and one of the homeowners suffered minor injuries.

Two pet birds died inside the home.

Cetronia Ambulance Corps setup a rehabilitation center for firefighters inside the Weisenberg Township Municipal Building due to the extremely cold temperatures.

The fire was determined to be accidental due to a smoldering log placed on the rear porch.

The American Red Cross is working with the homeowners who are now staying with family members who live next door.

Responding to the fire were: Weisenberg, Fogelsville, Trexlertown, New Tripoli, Topton, Cetronia, Greenawalds, Alburtis, Woodlawn, Tri-Clover, Kutztown and Kempton.