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TUCSON - Officials are investigating the cause of an early morning westside house fire Thursday.

Neighbors called 911 at 3:42 a.m. when they realized a house nearby was burning, Tucson Fire Department spokesman Barrett Baker said.

The neighbors told firefighters they thought two people were inside, but none were found when they searched the interior, Barrett added.

Nine units and 23 firefighters put out the fire within five minutes of arriving on the scene. The ladder company shut off gas and electric utilities to the house as a precaution. They also used a chainsaw to cut a hole in the roof to let the built up smoke escape.

Officials say the fire caused about $20,000 worth in damages.