MARS — A fire Friday night severely damaged the basement and the attic of a house on Grand Avenue.

The fire started about 5:30 p.m. when residents of the home were preparing dinner, according to Bill Hayes, chief of the Adams Area Volunteer Fire Department.

The home is connected to the Macri Floral Shop, which is owned by the homeowner, Michael Macri.

Hayes estimated damages could be near $200,000. There is insurance on the house.

Hayes said the father of the family of six was frying food on a stove in the basement when the fire started. It quickly spread to the walls and ceiling of the basement.

Hayes said the construction of the home allowed for the flames to move up the walls into the attic.

“It was a good working fire,” he said.

Firefighters had it under control by about 7 p.m., but they remained there for nearly two more hours.

The basement and attic had the most fire damage while the rest of the home and the floral shop had smoke and water damage.

The family is staying with friends.

The Adams Area department, which got to the house first, was assisted by South Butler, Middlesex, Callery, Evans City, Cranberry, Harmony, Richland, and Wexford departments.

More than 40 firefighters assisted.

Quality Ambulance and Mars police also responded.