Both Eastern and Western Salisbury fire departments were called to assist Upper Saucon Township Fire Department fight a smoky dwelling fire at 3419 Honeysuckle Road, just beyond the Salisbury Township line, on the south slope of South Mountain June 12.

When Upper Saucon firefighters arrived shortly after 9 a.m. smoke was showing from the sprawling structure. The fire went to two alarms and Upper Saucon firefighters did not clear the scene until about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The fire was concentrated in the kitchen area on the second level of a three level converted stone barn. No one was living at the dwelling at the time, and the home was up for sale. A Realtor reportedly was to take interior photos that day for marketing purposes.

Flooring contractors were said to be working in the dwelling last week, and a contractor arriving Wednesday morning opened the door and found smoke filling the home. He called 911 to report the fire.

According to one WSFD firefighter, the problem that plagued firefighters and prompted Upper Saucon to progressively call for more and more manpower was that the fire was extending through floors and walls and the ceiling above the first level.

By 10:30 a.m., fire teams from throughout southern Lehigh County were at the scene, as well as units from Northampton and Bucks counties.

In addition to Upper Saucon firefighters, aiding at the scene were: Eastern Salisbury, Western Salisbury, Se-Wy-Co, Lower Milford, Coopersburg, Upper Milford – Limeport, Richland Township, South Whitehall units from the Greenawalds and Woodlawn fire stations and an ambulance from St. Luke's.

Also, a Rapid Intervention Team from Emmaus, stood by at the scene to assist. With no firefighting responsibilities, the team is specially trained to go into a structure to rescue firefighters that may be in trouble while performing interior fire fighting.

An Upper Saucon Ambulance was at the scene monitoring vital signs of firefighters, and Upper Saucon Special Fire Police controlled access to the winding mountainous road.

Lehigh County tax assessment records indicate the dwelling is owned by Syed and Ruhi Subzposh.