The Middleport Fire Department responded to a working house fire on November 10th, at 12:34 pm, at 36 Rutland Street.
The fire originated from a fireplace with a defective chimney on floor one and quickly extended to floor two and the attic area.
Fire damage was confined to the upper floor and attic with heavy smoke and water damage to the rest of the home.
The owner, who was asleep at the time, was able to exit the house uninjured and several pet cats were rescued by firefighters.
Responding units were Middleport Engines 12 and 13, and Ladder 16 and automatic mutual aid from the Pomeroy Fire Department with Pumpers 2 and 3, Squad 1, and Truck 6.
Eighteen firefighters under the command of Middleport Fire Chief Jeff Darst were used at the incident.