A Columbus home was seriously damaged Friday after an attic fire smoldered for hours undetected.

Fire Inspector Matt Noblitt says passersby noticed the fire in the home in the 2100 block of Conestoga Court and called firefighters at just before 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. After forcing their way into the garage, firefighters discovered a small hole in the ceiling and a fire burning in the attic. Noblitt said the fire did serious damage to the rafters and ceiling joists. Firefighters had to pull down ceilings in the home to check for the spread and fight the fire.

The homeowner, who was not home at the time, said he had noticed the smell of something hot near the water heater and firefighters discovered that the breaker had tripped but not before the fire ignited and smoldered in the insulation and wall.

Noblitt estimated the home suffered $100,000 in damages.