Grill Fire Spreads to Two PA Houses

SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP — A two-alarm fire apparently touched off by a propane grill involved two homes Sunday night on Creek Road in South Whitehall Township, but firefighters were able to contain it quickly before it spread to more homes, officials said.

The fire began about 8 p.m. in the rear of 4236 Creek Road, said Joe Macus, assistant chief with Cetronia Fire Co. The fire spread quickly to the second floor of 4236 Creek Road and then to 4234 Creek Road, where it engulfed the attic.

Firefighters had the blaze out within 30 minutes, preventing damage to adjoining homes at 4238 and 4302 Creek Road, Macus said.

No injuries were reported. Macus estimated the blaze caused considerable fire and smoke damage to the two-story brick-and-siding homes.

The American Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania was summoned to assist the displaced residents, he said.

Fire officials were attempting Sunday night to determine the fire's exact cause and the extent of damage. Macus said an Allentown fire marshal was called to investigate, as South Whitehall's fire marshal was unavailable, he said.

Concern about the fire spreading to adjacent homes in the development led South Whitehall to summon for neighboring departments. Besides the township's four fire companies, firefighters responded from Alburtis, Catasauqua and the townships of Upper Macungie and Salisbury, with Western Salisbury firefighters providing a ladder truck.

The homes are in the Cedar Creek Farm subdivision, Lehigh County property records show. The subdivision is about 1 mile from Tilghman Street.

—Anthony Salamone

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