ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Fire destroyed a duplex in Allentown Wednesday morning.
Firefighters responding around 7:30 a.m. found the building at East Hamilton and South Filbert streets fully engulfed in flames.
"When they arrived, flames were already pouring out of every window and floor of the structure," said Capt. John Christopher, with the Allentown Fire Department.
Crews quickly struck two alarms, then a third, as both the Allentown and South Whitehall fire departments responded to help fight the fire.
A man lives in the home where the fire started, but crews initially were not able to find him on scene, said an Allentown fire official.
"I was sitting out back letting my dog out, and I heard some pops and some yelling," said Stacy Szalacha, a neighbor who called 911. "I didn't hear any sirens, and then I saw the owner of the house run across the street and just yelling, and then walked down the alley, and then the firetrucks showed up."
Police said later Wednesday morning they have located all parties, but did not elaborate.
The adjoining home was also badly damaged, and a family of at least 7 is displaced, officials said. No one was injured.
Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down by about 9 a.m., but firefighters remained on scene through the day, putting out hot spots.
Officials say the fire started on the first floor. A fire marshal is investigating what sparked the blaze.
