SHERMAN, TX--Fire fighters battled a blaze that destroyed a home this morning near Austin College. The possible cause of the fire has rescuers reminding residence of the need to maintain wood burning stoves. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Chief J.J. Jones says he suspects it started due to an unmaintained wood burning stove.

The home is located in the 800 block of North Maxey Street in Sherman, which is just east of the Austin College Campus. Smoke could be seen for miles and traffic was blocked at the intersection of East Brockett Street and North Maxey Street.

Chief Jones said when crews arrived there was fire in the attic and on the 2nd floor of the home. Jones said crews were mainly trying to work to contain the fire so it wouldn't spread to other nearby homes. One person was home at the time. She was not injured nor were the family pets.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Chief Jones said regardless, it comes as a good reminder to keep those wood burning stoves and other sources of efficient heat well maintained during the winter months.

"You know good maintenance. Kind of monitor that fire and make sure that the chimney is clean. Typically that's what we find is a lack of maintenance. A build up inside those wood stoves and chimneys will create an attic fire like this,” said Jones.

Jones said the home is a total loss.