HOLLY HILL, Fla. — The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of a fire that heavily damaged a Volusia County home.
Firefighters said the blaze happened at a home on Montgomery Avenue in Holly Hill at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Flames were shooting out of the front of the house when they arrived.
"Just flames pouring out of everywhere, snapping and popping," said witness Julie Noah.
Residents who saw the fire were worried someone may still be inside the house.
One man ran in to search for anyone who may have been trapped.
"The minute he came out, 'boom!' The whole everything was up and roaring in flames. It was really scary," said Noah.
Crews were able to get the flames under control and found the home empty.
"Scared all of us to death. The whole neighborhood was out here," Noah said.
Fire investigators said witnesses and home surveillance video show that someone may have intentionally set the fire.
"Whoever may have done this, I think is a very mentally ill individual and needs a lot of help," said Noah.
Officials said in addition to the home surveillance video, witnesses told them they saw someone by the house before the fire started.
Everyone in the home was able to escape.