The fire broke out around 3:00 p.m. at a two-story residence located at 221 Penn Street.

It started in the upper rear of the building and was mostly contained to the upper levels.

Firefighters from five area fire departments kept the blaze from destroying the building.

New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company # 1 was assisted by volunteer companies from Limestone Township, Hawthorn, Rimersburg, and Distant.

Clarion Hospital EMS and the New Bethlehem Police Department were also on scene.

While no cause was immediately available, some firefighters at the scene said lightning may have hit the roof when morning thunderstorms passed through the area.

Others suggested the possibility that the fire was electrical in nature.

Firefighters battled the fire and the heat as late-afternoon temperatures rose into the low 80s.

The residence sustained moderate structural damage and what appeared to be heavy smoke damage.

There were no injuries.

The structure was a large home that had been converted into four apartments, according to New Bethlehem Chief of Police Scott Ryan.

Patty Rupp, a member of the Oakland Church of God, said the church would be providing whatever help the tenants needed.

“We had a large donation from some people who were having a yard sale, and they gave us what they didn’t sell. So, we’ll see what these people may need,” Rupp said.