A fire that started near a metal chimney spread into the attic of a house on Hunter Drive on Tuesday afternoon and left the home uninhabitable, Madison's fire chief said.

A woman who lives in the home said she smelled smoke and got out of the house with her four dogs, while her mother and sister, who also were home at the time, also got out safely.

The fire was reported around 4:38 pm. and was under control in about 50 minutes, Madison Fire Chief Lou DeRosa said.

There was a fire going in a first-floor fireplace at the time. The DeRosa said it's unknown what exactly started the blaze.

DeRosa said firefighters ripped through ceiling to access the attic space. The residents were planning to stay with family or friends in the area, he said.

A woman who lives in the home said she smelled smoke and got out of the house with her four dogs, while her mother and sister, who also were home at the time, also got out safely.

DeRosa said Florham Park, Chatham, Morris Township and Cedar Knolls fire departments responded to the scene, while Green Village and New Vernon fire departments covered for the Madison Fire Department while it responded.