A fire south of Hays on Tuesday caused extensive damage to a home.

Units from four Ellis County Rural Fire companies were dispatched to the 600 block of 240th Avenue at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Rural Fire Director Dick Klaus said the fire started in an attic space, and his crews had trouble getting access to it.

"It started by the fireplace chimney flue pipe," Klaus said.

The home suffered extensive damage, especially water damage, but did not burn to the ground, Klaus said.

Crews stayed on scene until about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, trying to douse the smoke and embers remaining from the fire.

An account has been established for the home's residents -- Tony Adams, Angie Tomlinson and six children -- at Bank of Hays for those wishing to provide aid to the family.