Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Eastside Fire & Rescue Departments responded to a house fire at 3406 97th Ave S.E. around 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 25.

Firefighters responded to a 911 call from a neighbor who noticed flames and smoke coming from the two-story house, which was under renovation. The owner wasn’t home at the time of the fire. First responders were guided by neighbors down the residence’s 1500-foot driveway before working to put out the fire, which took over 20 minutes to extinguish. Afterward, a fire watch was conducted until 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Nine vehicles with 24 firefighters responded, including seven firefighters from Mercer Island, 14 from Bellevue and three from Eastside Fire & Rescue.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, while building damage is estimated to be $500,000.