By RON GOWER

rgower@tnonline.com

A home used for summer actvities such as gatherings and parties in Summit Hill was leveled by flames shortly after noon Friday.

The fire occurred at a vacant, L-shaped house off Laurel Drive (Route 902) at the bottom of Bugzies Mountain.

The home is in a fenced-in area. Officials said it is owned by Peter Radocha of Coaldale.

The blaze was discovered by passing Pennsylvania Depoartment of Transportation workers who saw dark smoke emitted from area.When firefighters reached the scene, half of the building was fully involved in flames.Summit Hill Fire Chief Shawn Hoben said he is contacting a state police fire marshal to help determine the cause of the fire.

Crews from Lansford, Summit Hill, Nesquehoning, Tamaqua, Mahoning Valley, Jim Thorpe, Penn Forest, Franklin Township, East Penn and Coaldale responded. Lehighton Fire moved up to Jim Thorpe to cover Jim Thorpe, Nesquehoning and Penn Forest.

 No injuries were reported.Hoben declared the fire under control in about an hour.Also assisting were fire police from Summit Hill and the Lehighton Ambulance.Summit Hill Chief of Police Joseph Fittos said the home is well maintained and is used during the summer months for social activities.He said the grass is always cut in the field surrounding the home.