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PLAINS TWP — A fire ripped through a residence in the Birchwood Hills development on Sunday afternoon, leaving a husband and wife displaced.

Engines from Plains Township and Kingston responded to 23 North Beech Road for reports of a fully involved structure fire.

“The fire had a head start,” said Plains Township Fire Chief Mark Ritsick.

A space heater located in the back of the residence reportedly exploded, leading to the blaze.

Huge amounts of smoke blanketed the neighborhood as firefighters worked to contain the fire. The husband and wife, who were home at the time, made it out safely and were unharmed. No firefighters were injured in battling the flames, and the home was free of pets.

After an intense firefight, crews were able to put out the flames with heavy sprays from a fire hose, but the house appears to be a total loss, according to Ritsick.

The homeowners do have a place to stay, and the Red Cross’ assistance will not be needed.