The press release said firefighters were able to contain the fire to the rear corner of the house, where the blaze did considerable damage to the roof, attic, and exterior wall.

No one was home at the time the fire broke out. Two dogs and two rabbits were successfully rescued.

According to the press release, firefighters suspect that a chimney fire started the blaze. It is believed that the chimney fire went unnoticed and breached the chimney system to the exterior wall of the building.

Seven on-duty personnel made the initial response and 11 off-duty personnel reported to assist, for a total of 18 Alpena Fire Department personnel on scene.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Alpena Fire Department responds to a fire on Jefferson Street on Monday.

In addition to the fire department, the Alpena Police Department, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center Fire Department, MyMichigan Emergency Medical Services, Alpena Power Co., and the Alpena County Central Dispatch 911 Center also assisted with the fire.