ALPINE (CNS/CBS 8) - A single-family home caught fire in Alpine early Tuesday, sending plumes of dark smoke into the air over the East County community, authorities said.
The fire at 438 Arnold Way was reported around 8:15 a.m., according to a Heartland fire dispatcher.
Forty-five minutes later, crews were still working to put out the flames, he said.
No one was inside the home at the time of the fire.
CBS News 8 has learned the homeowner was at Sycuan Casino when the fire started and the blaze was possibly cause by a newly installed heater.
The call to firefighters originally came in as a smoke check, which means only one engine was requested, and when crews arrived they had an active fire and requested a full alarm.
Powers lines are down in the area. Gas and electric has been shut off. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident, who may have been renting the home.