Palmerton borough officials expressed gratitude toward their community in the wake of two area fires.

Borough council President Terry Costenbader said thanked all the departments who responded to the fire on Lehigh Avenue.

“It was a devastating loss, but thank God that no one was injured. I think they did a hell of a job,” Costenbader said.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman Sell said the “outpouring” from the community who helped provide items such as food, water and clothes was “just unbelievable.”

Councilman Michael Ballard said the borough’s residents who are “so good-hearted.”

Richard Nothstein added that the support shown was “phenomenal.”

Kris Hoffner mentioned the mutual aid from surrounding fire companies.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the five families affected by the recent fires in the Palmerton area community.

Firefighters battled a blaze Monday morning at 302 Lehigh Ave. in Palmerton in which 11 people - nine adults and two children - were displaced, along with many pets. The historical Straup House is a total loss.

That came after Brian and Michelle Gordon, their two children and their pets were displaced by fire at their home on Craig Street in Lower Towamensing Township.

Beth Ritter-Guth of Palmerton organized a GoFundMe fundraiser, called the Palmerton Fire Victims Housing Fund. Money will be evenly divided by the five families.

Additionally, a donation bucket has been set up at the Carbon Mini Mart 2 on Delaware Avenue on behalf of the four families displaced by the fire at 302 Lehigh Ave.

The families are Edie and Larisa DeLeon and their 2-year-old son Alex; Gloria DeLuna and her 3 pets; Katie Haupt and Josh Folio and their pet; the Bush/Haupt Family (Carl, Vicki, Aiden, Amber, RJ and their five pets.

The Nearly New Shop at 225 Delaware Ave. in Palmerton is providing clothing to families.

Families can call 484-515-1049 for details.

Recognizing the need for the fire companies to replenish supplies, residents have set up a GoFundMe account for Palmerton Fire Department Support. The funds will be shared with other departments as well.