Neighbors reported the fire at the single-family house at 2933 35th Avenue at 2:09 a.m. Firefighters had flames under control by 3:01 a.m., Oakland fire Battalion Chief Melinda Drayton said.
The single family home had previously been boarded up and according to neighbors and the homeowner, who arrived at the scene around 3 a.m., the house had been vacant for about a month, Drayton said.
Both neighbors and the homeowner said they had noted the presence of squatters at the residence in the past, Drayton said.
Drayton said that police had also come to the house and had reported a history of squatters.
Firefighters believe the single-alarm fire began in the basement of the house and then spread to the first floor and attic, Drayton said.
No injuries were reported and damage is estimated to be around $150,000, Drayton said.
