Flames blew high into the sky before firefighters could respond to this abandoned home at 504 Lyell Street in Monte Vista on Friday afternoon. 

MONTE VISTA — Flames from an abandoned burning house on Lyell Street at about 4:30 p.m. Friday drew a lot of spectators before Monte Vista Fire Department arrived to extinguish the flames. 

Monte Vista Fire Chief Pat Sullivan said the house at 504 Lyell Street had been abandoned for at least 10 years and had caught on fire at least once previously. He said the fire’s cause is suspicious because no utilities have been connected for several years. 

Sullivan called the home a total loss and said 14 volunteers with three units responded for MVFD. 

Chief Sullivan said there was evidence of someone or more living at the property and signs of feeding cats. Witnesses on scene said a large raccoon was seen escaping the burning structure. Sullivan said the cause of the fire is undetermined and still under investigation.