SEDGWICK – A small fire that started in the floor joists beneath a fireplace caused limited damage to a home Monday night.

Joe and Glenith Gray were at their home on the Reach Road at 8:08 p.m. when they smelled smoke in the house, according to Sedgwick Fire Chief David Carter.

They smelled the smoke before the smoke detectors went off, Carter said.

Firefighters were attending a meeting at the fire station and were able to respond quickly. A truck from the Sargentville station was on the scene within minutes.

Smoke filled the living room area but there was little fire showing. Firefighters were forced to fight the fire from above because the small crawl space beneath the house was partially filled with water.

According to Carter, a two-by-eight board beneath the fireplace had dried out over time and caught fire.

The fire spread to adjacent areas between the floor joists causing minor structural damage.

Firefighters were able to remove much of the smoke from the building and the Grays were able to stay in their home Monday night. No one was injured.

About 20 firefighters responded to the fire report. Sedgwick firefighters had backup support from the Brooklin and Blue Hill departments.