SEATTLE — Firefighters knocked down flames at a vacant home on Aurora Avenue North in North Seattle.
The abandoned house is one of several problem properties neighbors have complained about for months.
The fire in the 7100 block near Winona Avenue North broke out about 4:22 a.m. Friday.
The person who called 911 to report the fire said they heard sounds of pounding overnight before the fire broke out. Firefighters said they found many needles on the second floor.
Seattle firefighters cut holes in the roof to vent the fire. The fire has been extinguished.
Neighbors say the home is one of three properties, including a church, that have been boarded up for a long time.
The area is being redeveloped. The homes and church are slated to be demolished, but the permit process is taking a long time.
Neighbors have been complaining about squatters and graffiti since last year.
The southbound lanes of Aurora were shut down at the scene but reopened at about 6:40 a.m.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.