Stacked materials and narrow pathways hampered efforts to battle a house fire in Normal Heights, according to officials with San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Crews responded to a home on Mansfield Street near N. Mountain View Drive just after 6 a.m.
The homeowner was making coffee when something fell on the stove and ignited a fire that spread into the kitchen cabinets, Battalion Chief Mike McBride said.
The fire then extended into the attic, he said.
McBride described the interior of a home as somewhat of a hoarding situation with a lot of items making it difficult for crews to get inside the home to fight the fire.
Also, firefighters had to climb onto the steep pitch roof and sheeting made it difficult for firefighters to access the fire.
The homeowner was able to get out of the home. One dog and a cat were also safe. However, there were two pets still unaccounted for.
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Firefighters expected to spend a few hours on scene mopping up, McBride said.
