A roaring fire swept through a farmhouse Tuesday morning in Eldred Township ending in what Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company Chief Leon Frable Jr. deemed a "total loss."

A state police fire marshal will investigate Wednesday to determine the original cause of the fire at Frable and Weir Mountain roads.According to the chief, a fellow area volunteer firefighter saw thick clouds of black smoke coming from the Frable Road residence before 11 a.m., on Tuesday. After checking to make sure the home was empty he called the fire department.Frable said homeowners Rich and Meg Seimeca were at work when the fire broke out.The heavy gusting winds were a main culprit in spreading the flames throughout the home.The couple lost two dogs and a cat in the fire. "It's really tough," Frable said. "Pets are really like members of the family."Firefighters from seven area departments in Carbon and Monroe counties were called in to combat the blaze, with water tankers running dry before the fire was extinguished. A neighboring farm pond had to be drained of 3 feet of water to finally settle the fire.A gofundme site was set up for the couple just hours after the fire broke out."We are trying to collect donations for them to help with that process. Little everyday use essentials that you wouldn't even think about like toothbrushes, soap, etc. add up. Please help us reach our goal so they have one less thing to have to worry about. This sweet couple has opened their hearts and home to many and deserve our help," said site creator Erin Mcgrogan-Rake.As of this morning, $3,840 was collected of the $5,000 goal.The family also needs clothing: size 12-14 boys' pants, XL boys shirt; men's size 34 waist pants, XL shirts, 10 1/2 shoes; Women's size 2 pants, shirts small, 7 1/2 shoes. Gift cards are requested.Donations for the couple will also be collected at the Beltzville Bar and Grill or on the site at

https://www.gofundme.com/u4wh3k3g.