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Hoarder house goes up in flames in Jamacha-Lomita neighborhood

Neighbors said that the homeowner passed away months ago. They suspect squatters have been staying in it.

SAN DIEGO — Flames erupted at a home in the Jamacha - Lomita neighborhood just after 7:00 a.m.

The fire started at 745 Pidgeon Street. When fire crews arrived, they found smoke and fire pouring from the house. 

"We have been unable to identify an owner or any residents here, it does look like a hoarder house," said San Diego Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Becky Newell.

Boxes of junk, tires, and trash lay in the yard. The property that burned is located about 50 feet behind all of that stuff.

Firefighters said the fire appears to have started in a shed toward the rear of the house, and that the flames spread underneath the home.

Fortunately, crews were able to get the fire under control quickly and prevented it from spreading to any other houses.

Neighbors tell CBS 8, that an elderly, disabled man lived here for years. They said they haven't seen him in months. Some said they have noticed people going into and leaving the home, possibly squatters.

1-800-BOARDUP,  a contractor with the city, will board up the property to try and prevent anyone else from going in.

Roy Rawalji, the director of emergency services for the company, said it's possible the eyesore could remain here vacant for quite some time.

"Unless the responsible party is found, more often than not the property will just sit there. And it's an undetermined amount [of time], until the city can take action on it," he said. 

Sometimes, he said, it can take years. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

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