A Monday afternoon fire that tore through a Tamaqua home has been ruled accidental, according to borough Fire Chief James Connely.

Connely assisted with the investigation into the 110 Pitt St. fire on Tuesday morning. He noted that Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal Joseph Hall ruled the cause as undetermined.

Connely said the fire was reported at 4:42 p.m.

“The people were unaware that their house was on fire,” he said.

Someone knocked on their door to alert them of the flames, Connely explained.

“Everybody got out safe,” he said, noting that four people resided in the home.

The most extensive damage occurred to the rear of the home.

“There was significant damage” that is estimated at about $100,000, Connely explained.

He added he was told that several cats perished in the fire.

All four Tamaqua fire companies responded to the fire. The Panther Valley Rapid Intervention Team was also on hand.