Dozens of volunteer firefighters throughout Carbon and Schuylkill counties battled a blaze that destroyed two homes in Nesquehoning and sent two people to the hospital.

Crews received the call around 7:30 a.m. Sunday for a structure fire with entrapment at 255 E. Railroad St.

Nesquehoning Hose Company Fire Chief John McArdle said that the home was fully engulfed when crews arrived. The fire had spread quickly to the neighboring home at 261 E. Railroad St.

McArdle said that a second alarm was called and fire companies from Weatherly, Hometown, Summit Hill, Jim Thorpe, Lansford, Lehigh and Lausanne, Tamaqua and Lehighton fire companies assisted the three Nesquehoning departments.

Two residents, including one who jumped from the second floor of the burning structure, were taken to the hospital for injuries.

It was also reported that several animals were rescued from the homes, including a dog that climbed out on a second floor roof, where firefighters were able to save it.

McArdle said that it was surprising with the intensity of the fire that the dog was able to be rescued after it came out on the roof.

At least two pets did not make it, he added.

Several other pets from the two residences, including a rabbit, cat and three dogs were saved.

Two cats are missing, according to one of the homeowner’s Facebook post. The cats are a calico named Pumpkin and a tabby with white on the chest named Cyrus.

Approximately five residents from three residences were displaced between the two homes, as well as neighboring 251 E. Railroad, which sustained smoke and heat damage and melted siding.

McArdle thanked the nearly 100 volunteers who battled the blaze for several hours.

“Everybody worked well,” he said.

Assisting the departments also include Lehighton Ambulance, Rush Township fire police.

The state fire marshal was being brought in to investigate the cause of the fire.

A Facebook post by the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008 stated that one of the residents was an auxiliary member and lost everything.

Donations for Bob Semko are now being accepted at the VFW on East Center Street and include men’s 2XL shirts, 40/34 pants, size 12 shoes, towels, men’s toiletries, Purina dog chow, gift cards and cash.

Donations are also being accepted for the Bennek family, who lost everything in the fire. Items include men’s 2XL shirts, 46/30 or 2XL pants, 12.5 shoes; women’s 2XL shirts, size 18 or 2XL pants, shoes size 10, and money to help replace a key fob for a Mini Cooper. Items could be dropped off at 136 E. White St., Summit Hill.

In addition, GoFundMe accounts have been started to help Semko, organized by his daughter; and the Bennek family, organized by a family friend.

To donate to those accounts, go to https://tinyurl.com/BobSemko or https://tinyurl.com/TheBenneks.