WILTON – Nearly 40 firefighters from three towns fought a fire Wednesday night that heavily damaged a house at 113 High St. A couple living at the home and their pets escaped without injury.

The fire, which was reported at about 10 p.m., started as a chimney fire but quickly spread into the walls in ceilings in the kitchen area of the older home, Wilton Fire Lt. Kyle Ellis said.

The two-story house with a one story L-style addition with attic overhead was owned by Stuart Allen of Wilton, Ellis said.

Allen’s son, Daniel, and girlfriend, Katie Harris, who were living at the home, were able to get out with their two dogs.

Most of the fire damage was contained to the kitchen area, Ellis said. There was smoke and water damage to other areas, he added.

Farmington Fire Rescue Chief Terry Bell said when he arrived, flames were seen around the chimney at the L.

The metal roof had to be taken off the back side of the house to get at the fire, Bell said.

Firefighters from East Dixfield, Farmington and Wilton responded with about eight trucks to fight the blaze, Ellis said.

Don Allen, Daniel Allen’s grandfather, said his grandson and girlfriend are staying with friends in Dryden.

The American Red Cross was expected to help the couple find an apartment, Don Allen said.

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