DANVILLE, Va. – Crews responded to a house fire at 823 Melrose Ave. early Wednesday.

The first truck on scene arrived at 5:38 a.m. and reported a small house with fire showing from a window. Firefighters entered the home through the front door and found heavy flames in the first room. The fire was quickly knocked down with a single handline.

Utilities were disconnected and a search of the house did not turn up any occupants.

The structure was described as a “hoarder house” with items piled three feet or more throughout. This made controlling the fire more difficult. The fire had spread to the  contents, which had to be removed by hand to find any hidden hot spots.

Firefighters were still sifting those the debris at 10 a.m. and looking for a cause.

Fifteen fire personnel  responded to the initial call.

There were no injuries.