A Summit Hill home was damaged by fire Thursday morning when flames consumed the attic of the 2 1/2 story, brick structure.

The fire broke out at the residence of Larry and Patty Gledhill, 123 W. Hazard St., Summit Hill, shortly after 9 a.m. The Gledhills and their two teenage children, Reuben, 17, and Patrick, 14, escaped safely.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, “heavy, dark smoke” was billowing from attic windows in both the front and back sides of the dwelling, said Kevin Steber, safety officer for the Summit Hill Fire Department.

He said the firefighters fought the fire in 80-plus degree temperatures. They managed to contain the fire to the attic, but smoke and water damages occurred throughout the structure.

He said the cause of the fire wasn’t immediately determined.

Patty Gledhilll said she and Larry were in a second-floor bedroom when Larry said he smelled smoke. She instinctively brushed it off as someone outside with an open burn. When Larry looked out the window, he saw smoke. When he opened the attic door, he saw the heavy smoke.

They had a fire extinguisher and emptied it on the fire, but it quickly reignited, Patty said.

Family members immediately scooped up their two chihuahuas — Chi Chi and Marshal — and vacated the premises.

Patty did receive a burn on her arm from an ember while attempting to douse the flames but did not require medical treatment.

Steber said when he saw the amount of smoke, “because of the heat factor, I went to three alarms.”

He said this also brought plenty of manpower for fighting the fire.

He said he believes it started in the attic but hasn’t concluded his investigation.

Because of the amount of smoke, he believes the fire was burning for a while before it was discovered.

The Summit Hill Fire Department had command status being the home fire company, with mutual aid received from firefighters in Lansford, Coaldale, Tamaqua, Nesquehoning, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Franklin Township and West Penn Township.

The Lehighton Ambulance also responded, setting up a rehab unit. Chelsea Hill, paramedic supervisor, said although they were available for first aid treatment if needed, they also provided drinks such as water and Gatorade, electrolyte infusion, light protein snacks, cold towels and ice buckets.

Despite the heat, nobody required first aid treatment, she said.

Patty Gledhill, who is active with the Bethany Wesleyan Church in Lehighton, said she was in the process of preparing for a trip with church members to the Dominican Republic. They plan to leave July 6 to help build an orphanage for girls.

She said there had been a GoFundMe page for the trip, but anyone interesting in donating to the cause can email her at empys@yahoo.com.

In addition, relatives from the Dominican Republic were expected to be visiting soon and staying at the Gledhill residence.

She said the home is covered by insurance and she can temporarily stay with relatives.

The Summit Hill Police Department also assisted at the scene.

Traffic control was handled by local fire police.

Firefighters remained at the scene for over three hours.

A rekindle of the fire occurred at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, with response from the Summit Hill, Lansford and Coaldale Fire Departments.

The fire remained contained to the attic and roof area.