A two-alarm blaze that destroyed a Manor Township home Friday evening started in the chimney, fire officials said Saturday.

The fire was discovered by the residents of the house at 600 Walnut Hill Road who saw smoke coming from the walls and called 911 at about 5:15 p.m., Highville Deputy Fire Chief Bill Hapke said. Fire crews attempting to enter the 2½-story home were forced out twice by heavy fire and had to mount a defensive effort from outside the residence, Hapke said. He said the home is a total loss and valued the structure at $200,000 and contents at $50,000.

Fire crews remained at the scene for about seven hours. He did not have the names of the occupants.