The Slatington Fire Department was dispatched at 5:20 a.m. to 314 Williams St. for a dwelling fire.

Ron Hausman, assistant chief for Slatington Fire Department, said the caller was a passerby who reported heavy smoke coming from the roof.

Slatington Police assisted with evacuation of residents and the pet cats.

No injuries were reported.

Hausman said all fire companies worked diligently together to keep the fire to the upper floors.

The lower floors had smoke and water damage.

The Red Cross assisted the families at the scene.

Hausman said he called for a second alarm right away, because at that time of day there is not always a lot of manpower available and he knew there would be a need to change out crewmen often because of the heat.

State and Slatington borough fire marshals are investigating the cause.

Fire companies responding were: Lehigh Township, Slatedale, Friedens, Emerald, Walnutport, Neffs, Tri-Clover, Germansville, Lehigh County 101 Rehab out of Woodlawn, Lehighton Rehab, Schnecksville and Cetronia.

Greenawalds and Catasauqua were on standby on the scene.

Laurys Station, New Tripoli, Bowmanstown and Lehighton were on standby at stations that were at the fire scene.