New Wilmington’s fire department was assisted by the volunteer fire departments from Neshannock and Pulaski townships, Lackawannock Township, Volant and Mercer.

A section of Route 956 was closed to traffic for about two hours to allow firetrucks to pass.

It was a muggy morning, and firefighters were dressed in heavy gear to battle the blaze and help clear the smoke. Later, they carried charred antique furniture and other items, including Christmas decorations, out of the couple’s basement.

Polly Woodring, an American Red Cross volunteer, handed out bottles of cold water to the firefighters. She offered to arrange for the Felixes to stay at a motel for the night, compliments of the Red Cross.

The couple said they would not be able to stay in the house last night, but they had not yet decided what they were going to do, Woodring said.

The Jacqueline House opened about 20 years ago as a bed and breakfast. It has changed hands a few times since then, with the Felixes owning it for almost three years.

Anna Marie Duncan, who cleans for the couple, said the business attracts people from a wide area.

“The house is beautiful inside,” she said. “Every room has its own theme.”