A Stratford home was badly damaged in a fire Monday, fire officials say.

It happened just after 2 p.m. on Hollywood Avenue.

When firefighters arrived, they found the fire had rapidly spread throughout the home.

Officials say the fire hydrant outside the home was shoveled out, which allowed crews to quickly start putting water on the residence.

They say if the hydrant had not been shoveled out, the damage could have been worse.

No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.