The New Tripoli Fire Company has established a fund for the Groff family, 7127 Old Orchard Court, Lynn Township, following a fire Jan. 31 that destroyed the front part of their home.

According to Fire Chief Peter Christ, anyone who would like to help Bruce and Rebecca Groff and their two young children may go to New Tripoli Bank and make a deposit in The Groff Family Fire Fund.

The family, who was displaced by the fire, is staying with relatives, Christ said, adding they arrived home about an hour after firefighters arrived at the scene.

Their shepherd-type dog was rescued from the rear of the home by Assistant Fire Chief Zach Paris, who was second to arrive at the scene following Christ, who called a second alarm for a working dwelling fire, around 8:30 p.m. that night.

Christ told The Press Wednesday morning State Police Fire Marshal Mike Book was at the house the day before investigating the cause of the fire, which appears to have started in the original part of the house.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation," Christ said.

In addition to New Tripoli's engine and tanker, Germansville and Lynnport responded with engines and tankers.

Weisenberg firefighters brought truck 5131 and tanker 5121.

Neffs answered the call with a truck and tanker and Tri Clover firefighters brought a tanker.

Walnutport's Rapid Intervention Team arrived, in case firefighters would run into any trouble inside the house, and Woodlawn's cascade unit responded to keep air packs full.

Kempton and Schnecksville firefighters stoodby in case they were needed.

Northwestern Ambulance Corps personnel were on scene, as was Macungie's Rehabilitation Unit 6651, which provided warm beverages and a place to rest for the volunteer firefighters.

The tankers made trips filling with water from the Knerr family pond on Long Court, Christ said, adding firefighters and the trucks stayed on scene until midnight.

"I want to thank all the fire companies for doing an outstanding job," Christ said. "They kept the fire to one part of the house.

"They did a good job saving the new portion of the home."