STAFF REPORT

A fire reported late Monday in the township that crews continued to battle into early Tuesday displaced an elderly couple.

No injuries have been reported.

The blaze, at 64 Route 547, persisted as firefighters from multiple departments battled flames that seemed to be concentrated in the home’s northern corner just after midnight.

A malfunctioning fan in Herman and Sandy Appleman’s bathroom is thought to be the cause of the fire, their son, Winfield, said at the scene.

Herman, 80, and Sandy, 75, will stay with Winfield after making it out of their home with only the clothes on their backs. And a local church has pledged to help the Applemans.

“Any type of assistance they need, they’ll get it, because that’s the kind of community we have,” said Jim Madas, pastor of Kingsley Community Church.

JON O’CONNELL, staff writer, contributed to this report.