SOUTH CHINA — A house on Lakeview Drive appeared to be gutted Monday after it caught on fire, but officials did not yet know the cause.

All three China fire departments responded to the scene, as well as Vassalboro and Winslow fire departments.

A firefighter sprays water on the burning home at 231 Lakeview Drive in China that was destroyed by fire on Monday. Staff photo by David Leaming

Ken McMaster, left, of the Office of State Fire Marshal, speaks with firefighters outside the home at 231 Lakeview Drive in China that was destroyed by fire on Monday. Staff photo by David Leaming

Called in at 11:28 a.m., firefighters were still fighting flames in the upstairs and attic of the home around 1:30 p.m, according to South China Fire Chief Dick Morse.

The fire department had used up all of the water in the area and tankers had to haul water to the scene.

The cause and starting point of the fire is still unknown. Morse didn’t immediately know the name of the occupant, but believed no one was in the house at the time of the fire.

There may have been some cats home at the time, though.

According to town records, Philip Poulin owns the property.

Morse said a state fire marshal was on his way to the scene to help evaluate the damage. Firefighters also may use an excavator to take down part of the house.

The same house suffered fire damage in June. The fire appeared to start in the bathroom area, but fire officials never released a cause.

Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239

mstamour@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @madelinestamour