A fire in the framework surrounding a chimney has damaged a Bismarck home.

Bismarck Fire Assistant Chief of Operations Kermit Schaefer said the exact cause of the fire, which was reported shortly after noon on Tuesday, has not been determined, though it started in the framework around the chimney.

Schaefer said there are many reasons such a fire would start. The fire does not appear suspicious, he said.

The fire, at 1313 Northview Lane, caused smoke damage, Schaefer said. The framework around the chimney appeared to be mostly burned away. Schaefer said ceiling tiles possibly would have to be ripped out by firefighters to ensure the blaze was out, but he did not know what other damages the fire may have caused.

Dan Seifert, who owns the home along with his wife, Julie, said he was home with his four children and the family dog on Tuesday. He saw black smoke coming from around his deck, which is near the chimney, and a neighbor came over to tell him the house was on fire.

Seifert said he had the fireplace going in the home.

Seifert said his parents live in Bismarck, so if the family cannot go back in the house they will have somewhere to go.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@;bismarcktribune.com.)