Weisenberg, Fogelsville, New Tripoli and Cetronia Ambulance were dispatched 1:17 a.m. March 15 for a possible dwelling fire in the area of the Bandit Truck Stop.

Lehigh County 911 reported it was receiving numerous calls from motorists on I-78.

They reported they could see smoke and flames, but could not pinpoint the exact location.

Additional 911 callers and fire units were able to find the scene in the area of New Smithville and Silver Creek roads at 1:26 a.m. finding a fully involved structure on fire.

Access to the scene was limited by the age and location of the property.

A second alarm assignment was rapidly placed.

The second alarm brought full responses from Topton and Germansville fire departments, along with tankers from Kutztown, Lynnport, Tri-Clover, Kempton, Trexlertown and Alburtis fire departments.

Tankers filled from the Arcadia business hydrant system park off Route 863.

Special resources included a county cascade unit operated by Woodlawn, and a Rapid Intervention Team from Alburtis fire departments.

Wind conditions prevented the fire from reaching the nearby home, whose residents were unaware of the fire and awakened by firefighters and state police.

They along with their dogs were evacuated from the home.

Multiple small brush fires and heavy smoke caused lane closure on I-78.

The brush fires were handled by crews from Kempton Fire Department while operating from I-78.

The structure on fire was a heavy timber construction built in the 1840s as the Fritz Casket Company, which was operated until the 1920s.

It was listed as a historical location within Weisenberg Township.

For generations the Fritz family operated an undertaking business in Weisenberg Township.

Stephen Fritz started the business in 1840 and it was passed down from generation to generation until it was discontinued about the year 1920.

The “laudemacher” of the past had many more responsibilities than one does today.

He bought the lumber, constructed the casket and conducted the burial.

Since ice was used to keep the bodies cool, he also had to maintain an ice house, plus provide any other “extras” that the family requested.

The property was currently being used for historical vehicle preservation and refurbishment.

Numerous renovations and additions to the structure presented challenges to extinguish the fire.

A backhoe from Weisenberg Township was brought in to assist.

After nearly three hours the fire was placed under control at 4:13 a.m. but fire crews remained on the scene to monitor hot spots.

No civilians or firefighters were hurt.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.