A Lafayette house fire could be a case of arson.
The fire happened overnight on Ashville Lane in Lafayette off Foreman Drive. No one was injured, but the home was left with major damage.
Investigators tell KATC the utilities were disconnected and neighbors say the house has been empty since April.
Denise Lemoine who lives two doors down said, "I just walked outside and was like oh my God. You could hear a lot of popping and I guess glass breaking.
Lemoine says a woman saw the smoke and flames while driving. That woman pulled into the subdivision to make sure everyone was out of the home.
"She was going to knock on the door, but she said everything started coming out. Flames and stuff so she called 911," Lemoine said.
Firefighters worked for an hour before getting the fire under control.
"Their things were still in the house, but nobody has seen them since April," said Lemoine.
Neighbors say they were surprised to learn from KATC that investigators suspect arson.
Lemoine said, "We surely thank the mystery lady and the fire department."
The homeowners did stop by the house after seeing their home on KATC. The owner says the home was being rented, but he has had trouble connecting with the tenant.
While KATC was on scene, the owner called the tenant, but there was no answer.
We're told the owner does have homeowner's insurance.
If you have any information on this fire, call Lafayette CrimeStoppers at 337-232-TIPS.
