Allentown fire officials had to call in a back hoe after firefighters were unable to gain access to a burning home filled with clutter on Monday, according to WFMZ-TV.
Crews responded to the two-alarm fire shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the 600 block of Allen Street and began to fight the flames from the outside because they were unable to make it inside.
After multiple failed attempts to knock down the fire from the outside, a back hoe was brought in just before 11 p.m.
It was used to tear off the front of the structure, which caused items to pour out the front and led to a partial collapse of the front floor, which was limited by items in the basement that held up the floor.
Officials said neighbors rescued three people from the home before firefighters arrived.
The fire is believed to be accidental in nature.
