Tamaqua fire investigators determined Monday morning that a raging fire that destroyed two homes and displaced 10 people was an accident.

Investigators believe the blaze appears to have started at 129 Orwigsburg St. and spread to an adjoining house.

"We do have a point of origin and right now we're calling it accidental undetermined," said James Connely, assistant fire chief, shortly after noon.

No other details are being released at this time.

A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal typically would have arrived Monday to search for clues and make a determination.

However, there was a slight change in approach, Connely said.

Since the fire wasn't fatal in nature and since the state police are heavily involved in other investigations and activities, the investigation is being handled by local fire investigators.

For now, the ruling of accidental undetermined is being used. If the ongoing investigation uncovers or confirms additional details, then the determination potentially can be modified.

The late-night fire in Tamaqua's South Ward section left three homeless and displaced seven others.

Despite prompt response by fire units from Tamaqua and the region, the fire quickly destroyed houses at 129 and 131 Orwigsburg St. An adjacent duplex at 125 and 127 Orwigsburg sustained damage. The heat also melted vinyl siding on houses located across the street.