A fire that occurred 7:45 a.m. Jan. 23 at 18 S. Second St., Coplay, could have been far more serious had it not been for the rapid response of the Coplay Fire Department and firefighters from Whitehall Township.

No injuries were reported during the blaze, the first large fire in over three years.

Coplay Borough Fire Chief Matt Buskaritz said Monday the fire caused "serious damage" to the two-story residence.

Buskaritz said he was unable to provide an estimate of monetary loss to the residence, but believes it is substantial.

The block on the west side of Second Street has several family residences. Two neighboring homes incurred smoke damage, but were not seriously damaged.

The home is owned by Gregory and Lori Oswald of Coplay. Reportedly four people in the home escaped unharmed.

Buskaritz said a boyfriend of the Oswalds' daughter had been attempting to defrost water pipes in the kitchen with a piece of equipment that became too hot.

The residents attempted to quell the flames with a fire extinguisher, but were unsuccessful.

"We rescued a cat," Buskaritz said. "We gave the cat oxygen with a mask and were successful."

Buskaritz said the fire department was provided a device in years past to provide oxygen to pets. He added there may have been two other felines in the house.

The 911 call reported smoke billowing out of the second floor windows.

Residents on either side of the burning house were evacuated.

Along with the Coplay Fire Department, the Hokendauqua, Egypt and Cementon fire companies responded to the call.

Cetronia Ambulance, Red Cross and Macungie Rehabilitation were also dispatched and provided assistance.

The Red Cross reported it had provided a family of four adults with food, garments, clothing and lodging.

Buskaritz recalled it was more than three years since the last major fire in Coplay, when the Echo Manor residence was engulfed in flames.