Firefighters from nine companies had this fire under control by 1 a.m. Wednesday at a house on Windy Road in Cherry Township.

CHERRY TWP — A fire early Wednesday morning badly damaged a house on Windy Road.

A man inside the home was awakened by smoke detectors at about 12:15 a.m. and was able to get out of the house safely, authorities said.

About 30 volunteer firefighters from at least nine departments helped battle the blaze that started in the back of the house, on the single-story side.

Flames were already shooting through the roof by the time crews began to arrive, fire officials said. An attack team quickly made its way through the front door and into the house.

The fire was under control by about 1 a.m. The single-story side of the house sustained significant damage but the two-story side appeared to have only minor fire damage.

The blaze was believed to be accidental and may have started in the chimney area. The homeowner said he had used the chimney that night.

Assisting the Marion Township Volunteer Fire Company were firefighters from Slippery Rock, Unionville, Harrisville, West Sunbury and Pine Township, Mercer County.

Also called were departments in Prospect, North Washington and Clintonville, Venango County.

The last firefighters were back at their station about 2:15 a.m.