Firefighters were called to the home in O'Loghlen Street after the residents turned on their new fireplace for the first time.

The new fireplace was installed within an old structure, but a possum had set up a nest of gum leaves and other debris between the existing and new flue.

The fire was extinguished quickly after an emergency triple zero call and damage was contained to the fireplace and roof space.

Firefighters believe the possum made it out safely.