FREDERICKTOWN — Fire in a home in Fredericktown on Wednesday morning caused moderate damage to an upstairs closet and the attic, according to Fredericktown Fire Chief Scott Mast.

Mast said the fire started in the closet and spread through the attic. Flames also burned through the floor, but were stopped without spreading. There was moderate water damage to the first floor.

The home rented by Joyce Anthony and Jeff Smith was occupied by four adults and four juveniles. It is owned by Andy Durbin. Only two people were home; they smelled the smoke, found the fire and called in the alarm.

Mast was first on the scene at 11:16 a.m., and said he was concerned when he saw smoke coming around the eaves of the house. He called for mutual aid from Mount Vernon, which sent an engine and four firefighters. There was damage to the sheeting under the roof as well as to rafters. Fighting the fire “went real well,” Mast said.

Firefighters worked in 20 degree temperatures, but the house was sheltered from the blustery wind. Firefighters were on the scene just under three hours. Mast said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, with the aid of Mount Vernon Fire Department fire investigators.

The Knox County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Charlie Brenneman and Dee Hoeflich, went to the scene. They secured shelter for the family and provided the family with a cash allowance for its immediate needs.