Originally reported as a kitchen fire, Friday's blaze at a Ben Titus Road farmhouse in Rush Township quickly spread, displacing a family of five. Firefighters from a wide area fought the smoky fire during a morning snowfall in sub-freezing temperatures. Two pets could not be saved. Responding were emergency units from Hometown, Quakake, Delano, Ryan Township, Tamaqua, McAdoo, Tresckow, Hazle Township, Weatherly, Mahanoy City and Walker Township. The cause is under investigation. The Red Cross Schuylkill Chapter provided the family (three adults and twp children) with food and clothing and will follow-up with the family for additional services, as needed. A full report appeared in Friday's TIMES NEWS.