An early afternoon three-alarm fire decimated a home in Slatington, resulting in the death of three pets.

Slatington Fire Chief Jason Nicholas said the department was dispatched to 451 S. Walnut St. for a dwelling fire with a reported explosion, along with a person trapped inside."When the Slatington Police and the Walnutport Police arrived on scene first, they confirmed the fire with entrapment on the second-floor porch roof. They convinced the occupant, a young man, to jump from the porch to escape the fire, while he was attempting to go back inside to get his dogs," Nicholas said.Nicholas said that the 19-year-old man was the only person in the house.Fire crews found the dogs and emergency crews conducted CPR on the scene, but the dogs did not survive.The origin of the fire appeared to be accidental in nature, though the department is still investigating.Nicholas said the explosion, which happened after the initial fire, was caused by a can of spray deodorant. Nicholas said that the assistance from Emerald, Slatedale, Star Hose, Walnutport and other departments was invaluable."There was great teamwork among everybody. They did a great job," Nicholas said.