Fire Sparks at Vacant Home in Otay Mesa

Flames ripped through the unoccupied home at Lindbergh Street and Dolittle Avenue early Friday

Otay Mesa residents were alarmed Friday morning when they spotted flames shooting from the roof of an unoccupied home many say is known to attract squatters.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) said a fire sparked at a house in the 3500 block of Lindbergh Street and Doolittle Avenue just after 5:30 a.m.

The flames spread to a nearby power line, causing a power outage that impacted a few surrounding homes.

Crews were able to knock out the fire quickly, and no injuries were reported. The home was vacant, officials said.

Raw video from a witness obtained by NBC 7 of a fire ripping through a vacant home in Otay Mesa on Oct. 7, 2016.

One neighbor captured the raging flames on cellphone video, saying he woke up to see the fire tearing through the house. Residents called 911 and alerted the family living directly next door to the burning home. Everyone made it out safely.

Neighbors said squatters are known to frequent the property, which has been unoccupied for far too long. Neighbors said squatters have been a concern in the area for the past couple of years. Some have called authorities in the past to report unwanted activity at the house.

The homeowner is in the process of selling the property and was shocked by the damage he found inside following the fire.

Firefighters said the property is a complete loss. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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