A property in Lehighton was cleaned up after a fire destroyed homes on North First Street, leaving several families homeless.

The cause of the June 20 fire was not determined. Residents were not home when the fast-moving blaze broke out at 322-324 N. First St.

The fire began at 324 N. First St. and quickly spread. There were no injuries but both properties had extensive damage. Adjacent homes also had damage.

Volunteers from several fire companies in Carbon, Northampton and Lehigh counties were called to assist.

Eight people were displaced. Members of the community rallied with fundraisers.

The buildings were quickly knocked down for safety reasons but the rubble remained.

Cleanup began in October at the properties at 322-324 N. First St.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said in October that escrow has been posted for both homes, and added that demolition and zoning permits have been filed and paid for by the owner.

In September, DeWire told council that the owner of the properties hired a public adjuster.

Once he came forward, the owner was told by the borough that they are in violation if the houses are not repaired or cleaned up, DeWire said.

In July, DeWire told council that he spoke with the fire department and fire chief before 11 p.m. the day of the incident.

He said he was on-site to meet the fire chief at 8:30 a.m. the following day to review the damage. By 9 a.m., the state police fire marshal was on-site.

Borough engineer Vanessa Nedrick said the building was a safety risk to pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic on Route 209 traveling through Lehighton and that it should be demolished immediately.

DeWire said Northeast Industrial Services had the front half of the building on the ground by 4:30 p.m., stabilized the structure, and completed the remainder of the demolition on June 24.

DeWire said that while the original demolition fee was $12,000, it only wound up costing $7,500, as Northeast provided a discount. DeWire added he was hopeful the borough would get reimbursed.

Borough fire Chief Patrick Mriss thanked the rehab unit, borough police department, Public Works Department, Light & Power Department, DeWire, all the mutual aid departments that responded, the fire police that assisted, Lehighton Ambulance and all community for their assistance for providing food and drink to the responders.

Borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky praised the fire department for how it handled the blaze, which he said was due to the department’s dedication to training.

Abelovsky also acknowledged “the outpouring of support from the community.”