Firefighters say a clogged chimney was to blame for a blaze that caused heavy damage Tuesday morning to this home on Harmony Road in Slippery Rock Township.

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — A woman whose house was hit by fire early Tuesday morning will be staying with friends and family while her home is restored.

Janet Porter of 175 Harmony Road will be staying in the area or in a nearby hotel while repairs are being made, according to her sister, Jane Dillner.

Porter was not available for comment but Dillner and Porter’s brother Joe King were at the home Tuesday afternoon.

Dillner said Porter is insured and the damage is primarily to the interior.

King said the fire caused the windows to burst and said the home was currently “unlivable.”

There also was significant water damage and the roof was opened up during efforts to control the fire, King said.

“There was so much heat that everything melted,” Dillner said.

While firefighters were able to rescue some of her clothing, Porter has lost most of her belongings and the damage is estimated around $100,000.

Porter, who has 12 siblings, has plenty of support, King said. No relief fund has been established and the Red Cross was not contacted.

The fire began in the chimney at about 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, according to Albert Taggart, assistant chief of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company. A wood burner in the basement of the home helped ignite a buildup in the chimney.

Harrisville and Unionville firefighters assisted at the scene.

While chimney fires may increase during the winter, this winter has seen fewer due to the warm temperatures, according to James Peters, firefighter and former assistant chief of the Slippery Rock VFC.

Owners should have an inspection done at least once a year to prevent significant debris buildup, said Kurt Reasner, a lieutenant with the Slippery Rock company.

In addition, homeowners should not burn pine since the sap can build up and ignite, Reasner said.

Freshly cut wood tends to have more moisture so it should be avoided. Seasoned wood should be used, Peters said.

If possible, do not burn paper with a glossy texture, such as advertising sections, since these have chemicals that can also cause a buildup, Reasner said.