Quick response by area firefighters saved a Rush Township home from quick spreading flames.

Fire Chief Barry Messerschmidt said he believes the fire started in the area of a wood burner located in the rec room on the lower level of the home. No one was injured in the blaze, and Messerschmidt said the home had working smoke detectors.The family managed to escape the flames and is staying with relatives.The call came in a short time after 5 a.m. Saturday from the home owned by Stephen Soley, 77 Lincoln Drive, stating that the home was filling with smoke.Rush Township police, who were the first to arrive on scene, reported heavy flames rolling from the dwelling. Messerschmidt said it took firefighters about 10 minutes to knock down most of the blaze, and that the lower level of the bi-level home was heavily damaged.Fire companies from Hometown, Quakake, Ryan Township and Tamaqua responded. Firefighters were hampered by subfreezing temperatures.