The cause of a fast-moving fire is a mystery.
Investigators were on scene Thursday in the 4700 block of Valleyview Place trying to determine what led to a blaze that started before 6 p.m. Wednesday.
“It may never be known,” said Jack Blair, Vernon deputy fire chief.
The challenge is accessing what’s left of the building.
“The floors are sagging two feet and it’s too dangerous to send someone inside,” said Blair, adding that the fire is not believed to be suspicious.
Further investigation may proceed if the insurance company brings in heavy equipment.
The fire started on the ground-level sundeck. A couch and other material were stored there but there was no barbecue.
The occupants of the home were able to escape safely as flames shot 20 to 30 feet in the air. Smoke could be seen throughout Vernon.
“The heat was so intense. The flames were going up in funnels,” said Rory White, who lives nearby.
What remained of the cedar shake roof was blown apart as firefighters blasted the structure with a steady stream of foam.
Firefighters admit the blaze was challenging.
“The fire was up in the roof right away and it ran the length of the roof,” said Capt. Chris Robinson, with the fire department.
“That made it hard to fight.”