Fire heavily damaged a Woodridge Drive home early Wednesday morning in Manchester.

The fire at 95 Woodridge Drive, at the home of David Smith, was reported at 5:40 a.m., according to Fire Chief Clarence “Bug” Cram.

Smith, the home’s only resident, was away at the time. The fire was reported by a neighbor.

No firefighters were injured battling the blaze, Cram said.

When firefighters arrived, he said, smoke was coming out gables on both ends of the home, but no flames were visible from outside.

He said damage was extensive, in part because the fire was in the cellar and thus weakened the first floor of the home. He also said cellar fires are harder to get to.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by an investigator with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. An investigator was on the scene Wednesday afternoon.

Cram said when a fire causes extensive damage, he usually contacts the fire marshal’s office to determine the cause.

Firefighters from Manchester, Readfield, Mount Vernon, Fayette, Wayne, Vienna and Winthrop responded to help fight the fire.

Cram said the fire was under control shortly after 7 a.m. and was out by 7:30 a.m.

Some firefighters remained on the scene until mid-afternoon, making sure the fire remained out and cleaning up equipment.

Cram said Smith was staying with relatives, and the home was insured.

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