A pole barn was destroyed by a raging fire early this evening in Franklin Township.

Fire hit the pole barn shortly just after 5:30 p.m. The narrow icy driveway prohibited firefighters from getting close to the scene.

They set up a water bed on Route 209 and ran a hose to the scene.

Companies on scene include fire companies besides Franklin Township include Parryville, Bowmanstown, Towamensing, Lehighton. Lehighton Ambulance was also on scene.

Palmerton Fire Department was called to bring additional manpower and equipment to the scene. Mahoning Township Ambulance was also called.

Franklin Township Police were the first to arrive and reported animals were running from the scene.

A neighbor spotted one of the owner's dogs, which was injured, according to scanner reports.

Thick black smoke could be seen as far away as Palmerton.

More details as they become available.