SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A fire broke out in a single family home on Johnson Crescent yesterday morning, causing an estimated $50,000 in damage.

A chimney fire burns Tuesday morning on Johnson Crescent causing an estimated $50,000 in damages. No one was harmed in the blaze. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

The fire took two hours to extinguish but no one was harmed in the blaze.

It was called in at 9:16 a.m. by neighbours who reported seeing lots of smoke and the vinyl siding beginning to melt.

Residents of the home, Lorraine Jean and Randy Heinrich, watched as firefighters subdued the flames raging through the living room wall.

Although the fire occurred on Heinrich's birthday he was trying to stay positive.

"It's not the end of the world," he said. "At least we didn't lose anyone."

Responding to the fire was a pumper/aerial truck, a pumper truck, a heavy rescue truck, an ambulance and one command vehicle. There were 15 firefighters and three chief officers on scene.

Although it was determined to be a chimney fire the exact cause hasn't been pinpointed yet, said fire chief Darcy Hernblad.

"There's many components involved in a chimney fire," said Hernblad. "We're not really sure at this point but we know it started in the chimney base."

The chimney was part of an insert fireplace. Fires starting in chimneys can occur because of a build up of creosote, the formation of a tarry or glazed buildup in the chimney from unburned gases, or from a breach in a pipe.

Hernblad said chimney fires can be difficult to extinguish because they tend to burn inside walls.

"They are nasty fires and always hard to deal with," he said. "Everything looks fine and you come (in) and have to breach the wall."

So far this year three chimney fires have occurred in Yellowknife. Hernblad said the city on average has 15 a year. The fire department recommends residents clean their chimneys on a regular basis and try to burn only dry wood.