A fire chased a Niskayuna family from its home just a few days before Christmas.

The fire broke out around 2 p.m. on Thursday.

There was heavy smoke on the back of the house on Lisha Kill Road.

The fire seems to have started in the basement of the home, according to Assistant Fire Chief Gerri Barbiero.

He said five companies responded to the flames. He’s especially thanking the efforts of volunteer firefighters – many of whom have other jobs during the day.

The homeowners were not home at the time of the fire.

No one was hurt.