Photos: Lower Macungie House Fire

Dozens of volunteers battled both a house fire and intensely hot, humid conditions in Lower Macungie on Saturday evening.

A lightning strike from a strong storm that blew through Lehigh County around 6 p.m. may be to blame for the blaze.

 were called about 6:30 p.m. to investigate a natural gas odor at 4753 Yorkshire Drive in the Hidden Valley Farms development. Chief David Nosal arrived and reported flames coming from around the chimney.

Firefighters extinguished the flames, but had to pull apart much of the siding and other construction materials to fully put out the fire. That took time and manpower, especially in the hot and humid temperatures.

In all, Nosal called for assistance from departments from Western Salisbury, Emmaus,Trexlertown, Macungie, Alburtis and the cascade unit from Woodlawn to refill air bottles for the breathing masks.

Meanwhile, Macungie Ambulance crews worked to cool and rehydrate firefighters and monitor their vital signs for safety.

Lower Macungie's aerial truck was used to access the top of the two-story chimney. While not much of the firefighting apparatus was used, Nosal said the relatively high call-out was necessary to replenish personnel who tired quickly in the heat. Most were able to work about 15 minutes before needing a break.