The cause of a Thursday evening fire that destroyed homes at 322 - 324 N. First St. in Lehighton is under investigation, Lehighton Fire Department Chief Patrick Mriss said.

The fire began at 324 N. First St. around 7 p.m. The residents were not home.

“Thankfully, there were no injuries,” Mriss said.

Both properties, however, suffered extensive damage.

Mriss said eight people were displaced. Originally a higher number was reported, but adjacent homes had less damage than originally thought.

The American Red Cross is helping the victims.

Thursday’s temperatures peaked in the low 90s, and skies were mostly sunny as firefighters fought the flames.

“There were some that were tired and exhausted,” Mriss said.

He noted that fire personnel from Carbon, Northampton and Lehigh counties assisted.

“I want to say thanks to all in the community who were involved,” Mriss said.

-Jill Whalen