The fire started around 11:45 p.m. on Peach Street and Dockery Avenue.
Firefighters say a candle was left burning on a desk. Some papers caught fire, along with a spot on the wall.
Selma police officers who arrived at the scene helped a woman out of the smoking home.
Officials contacted the Red Cross to possibly arrange for a place for the two residents to stay.
The utilities were disconnected from the house as a precaution.