Looks to be an interior chimney. Appears fire started around a wood stove. No other details on the install. I feel sad for the family, nice looking place too. Thankfully again no one was hurt.
(broken link removed to http://www2.tricities.com/news/2010/dec/24/sullivan-county-family-loses-home-christmas-eve-fi-ar-735516/)
(broken link removed to http://www2.tricities.com/news/2010/dec/24/sullivan-county-family-loses-home-christmas-eve-fi-ar-735516/)