An early-morning fire in Palmerton today ruined two businesses and left two people homeless.

The blaze occurred in the structure housing the Grab Bag and the Yarn Basket at 210 Delaware Ave. shortly after 2 a.m. Palmerton Fire Chief David Lucia said the 2 1/2-story building was fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene.Despite the start the fire had, Lucia said firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the one structure. He said, "the fire never even got through the roof, thanks to the work of our volunteers."