A Christmas Eve fire in Lansford affected lives in two Carbon County communities.

A 49-year veteran of the Diligence Fire Company in Summit Hill was fatally stricken as he responded to a structure fire in Lansford. The call was the fourth of the day for Summit Hill firefighters. The other three were for motor vehicle accidents.The fire, at 430 E. Front St., Lansford, left a couple homeless and claimed the life of their dog. The fire was determined to be accidental.