WAUKESHA COUNTY -- Fire crews respond to a house fire on Waterville Road near Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in the Town of Ottawa Saturday, February 20th.
The call to officials came in shortly before 3:00 p.m.
According to the Dousman Fire District, the fire was reported by a resident who noticed light smoke coming from their chimney.
Dousman Fire District were the first to arrive at the scene and as they began to attack the fire, it was determined that it was in the attic and heavy smoke was present on all sides of the structure.
Fire crews attempted to gain access to the attic via eves and soffits of the home -- however all access to this area was sealed and not accessible. Interior crews then attempted to make access to the fire through the ceiling, but they were unsuccessful.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., the fire was upgraded to a box alarm and ended up being a three-alarm fire by the time it was under control.
Authorities say the reason for the upgraded alarm level was due to several reasons, including the location of the fire, dispatching delays, and agencies unable to respond.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but appears that it started in the area of the chimney and spread into the attic and across the roof line.
Estimated damage is $250,000.
No injuries were reported.