The devastating blaze that destroyed six homes in Tamaqua five years ago has now claimed a seventh.

Tamaqua borough will purchase the undamaged house at 15 S. Lehigh St. for $25,000 and tear it down, along with the badly damaged adjacent house at 13 S. Lehigh.The fast-moving inferno of July 5, 2011, drew firefighters from two counties, destroying six homes and damaging seven others on both sides of the street, along with destroying three vehicles.All residents managed to escape and there were only a few minor injuries.However, 11 were displaced and 16 pets were either dead or missing.Owner and resident Harry Moseley, who purchased his house in December 1992 said it will be difficult to pull up stakes and move after living at that location for 24 years. Moseley said he will relocate to a different area of the borough.