EARL TWP., Pa. – Several crews responded to a two-alarm house fire that broke out Thursday morning in Berks County.
The fire was reported by a witness who noticed black smoke coming from the residence and called emergency response crews.
Crews arrived on scene at a house in the 800 block of Mountain Road in Earl Township at 7:50 a.m. Upon arrival, officials say fire was venting from the front and rear of the structure.
According to authorities, due to the significant volume of fire and limited manpower, a second alarm was requested, bringing firefighters from eastern Berks County and western Montgomery County.
Crews say they brought the fire under control within an hour and remained on scene for approximately three hours to extinguish hot spots and conduct overhaul.
A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal determined the flames originated in the rear of the first floor, within the kitchen area. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.
No one was home when the fire broke out, but family members confirmed their two dogs were removed from the house prior to firefighters arriving.
No major injuries resulted from the incident, officials say. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat exhaustion.
According to authorities, the house sustained significant damage, which is estimated to be in excess of $300,000.