UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Utica Fire Department responded to a fire in a two story house at 1562 Neilson Street shortly after 7:00 Thursday night.

According to Utica firefighters, nine people lived in the upstairs apartment and five lived downstores. 12 of those displaced are children.

Fire Chief Russell Brooks says there were no injuries to any firefighters or anyone else inside. He says there was significant damage, but the home was not destroyed.

"When the first crew arrived there was a lot of smoke and fire showing. They got in quick, they did a very aggressive interior attack. They controlled the building in a very reasonable amount of time," said Brooks.

The Arson Task Force is investigating. It was determined overnight the fire started in an upstairs bedroom. Later today authorities will likely interview the family who lived upstairs to figure out how the fire started.

The American Red Cross is assisting both families.