A quick response by area firefighters saved a duplex in Lower Towamensing Wednesday afternoon.

Aquashicola Fire Department Assistant Chief Pete Beblavy said the fire broke out just before 1 p.m. at 4400 Little Gap Road.

“When we got there, there was heavy fire in the attic and it extended to both homes, both sides,” Beblavy said.

“The guys made a quick knockdown and contained it to the attic.”

Beblavy said the fire broke out at the 4400 side, and then spread to the 4402 side. The homeowner on the 4400 side was home at the time.

No injuries were reported, though both homeowners are displaced, Beblavy said.

“Everyone got out OK,” he said.

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Beblavy said the families are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

He said the homes suffered heavy damage to the attic and roof areas, as well as some water damage.

Mike Gazo of Tamaqua, who was working on a house down the road, was one of the first people on the scene.

“There were huge clouds of smoke through the air,” Gazo said. “Smoke was pouring down the road. It was a total blackout. You couldn’t see the highway.”

As he came down the street, Gazo saw people running out of the house with their dogs.

He said a woman driving by stopped and called 911.

Beblavy said the cause of the fire appears to be accidental, and added a fire marshal was expected to be on scene today.

“We were short-handed being in the day time,” he said. “The guys had it knocked down within minutes. They did a great job.”

Beblavy said the Palmerton, Trachsville, Kunkletown, Polk Township and Walnutport fire companies, along with Mahoning Ambulance Rehab and Palmerton Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

“It was pretty quick,” he said. “Two hours, we were out of there.”

Marta Gouger contributed to this report.