RUMFORD — People at home and an immediate response by area firefighters contained a fire at a Knox Street residence and prevented greater damage.

Rumford Fire Department Chief Bob Chase estimated damage to the interior of John Robichaud’s wood-framed residence at about $7,500.

The home was covered by insurance.

Nearly 30 firefighters from Rumford and Mexico responded to the 8:43 a.m. call, as did Med-Care Ambulance Service.

Chase said apparently a wood-burning fireplace in the living room of the Robichaud home overheated, causing the wood in the walls to ignite. Chase said flames shot from the chimney, but the fire wasn’t a chimney fire. Flames had worked they way up to the attic, which was also damaged by the fire.

While smoke filled the living area and other portions of the house, much of it was vented by the homeowner. The fire department covered many of the household items with tarps to prevent further damage.

Both Robichaud and his wife, whose name was not available, were home at the time. Neither was injured. Chase said if they hadn’t been home, the fire could have been much worse.

Electric power was cut for a short time.

Chase said firefighters cleared the scene at about 10:30 a.m.

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