NORWICH – While an official investigation to determine the cause of a Wednesday fire that destroyed a Town of Norwich home is still underway, officials say that they're “99.9 percent” sure of what ignited the blaze.

The City of Norwich Fire Department Engine Company 234 responded to a working house fire at 1086 County Road 19 just minutes after the initial call was placed to the Chenango County 911 call center shortly after 1 p.m.

Mutual aid from Plymouth and Preston Fire Departments arrived shortly thereafter to assist Norwich command in knocking down the well-advanced fire that continued to rapidly spread.

Firefighters were successful in isolating fire damage to the kitchen and rear of the home; but due to water and heavy smoke damage, “the home will more than likely be a total loss,” according to Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo.

“Due to the construction of this older home, the fire was well advanced and ended up spreading to the attic area quickly,” said Chawgo. “I'd say that we're about 99.9 percent sure of cause, but we're waiting on the County Bureau of Fire to complete its investigation before we give any further information.”