Upper Macungie Township suffered its second fatal fire in two weeks just before 6 a.m. May 4 when an 73-year-old man was found dead in a home at 4924 Cetronia Road.

According to Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich, Ernest Wright was pronounced dead by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Cassandra Schiffner at 6:51 a.m. at the scene that day.

An autopsy was performed on May 5. The cause and manner of Wright’s death is awaiting forensic testing

The fire, to the rear of the home, was reported by multiple drivers on I-78 passing near the scene.

Upper Macungie Station 56, Trexlertown and Fogelsville fire departments responded initially, along with Alburtis firefighters and Cetronia Ambulance Corps.

The first arriving engine, Upper Macungie Station 56 reported there was someone trapped inside.

Firefighters entered the burning building and found Wright in the home.

A second alarm for additional tankers and firefighters quickly followed the first alarm.

Cetronia, Greenawalds, Tri-Clover and Woodlawn fire departments provided apparatus and additional manpower as well as Alburtis fire department.

Cetronia Ambulance Corps sent its rehabilitation unit to the scene to provide rehabilitation services to firefighters.

The fire was declared under control after an hour of intense operations although some firefighters remained on the scene for several hours.

Wright’s death is being investigated by Upper Macungie police and the township’s fire bureau, and State Police Troop M, Fogelsville.