Hot ashes dumped into a container resulted in a fire at a two-story duplex in Slatington Tuesday afternoon.

Borough Fire Chief Jason Nicholas said the fire broke out at 2:15 p.m. at 115 Hill St.

Nicholas said the fire department was dispatched for a dwelling fire report of an outside fire extending to the residence.

Nicholas said police Detective Tim Wagner and officer Kevin Torres used fire extinguishers to prevent the fire from spreading further than it did.

“When we arrived within 4 minutes, we found an active fire to the rear of the residence that had extended into the enclosed sun porch,” Nicholas said. “The fire was quickly knocked down, we had to check for extension and ventilate.”

Nicholas said the residents were home at the time of the incident.

“It was determined by our fire marshal it was accidental, (caused by) accidental improper disposal of ashes from a wood-burning stove,” he said. “The homeowner admitted he had recently dumped hot ashes into a container on the back porch.”

No injuries were reported.

He said 115 Hill St. suffered moderate damage, while 117 Hill St. had smoke damage and some minor exterior damage to the residence.

Nicholas credited the “swift action” of the borough police officers, and said they should be “credited with saving the structure from further damage.” “Another couple of minutes and it would have been into the basement,” he added.

The fire department remained on scene for two hours.

Assisting at the scene were the Walnutport, Friedens, Neffs, Emerald and Palmerton fire departments, Greenawalds Rapid Intervention Team, Slatington Police and Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services Inc.

“We prepare for incidents like this,” he said. “I appreciate the support and great teamwork.”