CHINA GROVE — Fire investigators say the cause of a Wednesday afternoon three-alarm garage fire at a China Grove home is undetermined, but the investigation continues.

The call to 911 was made before 3 p.m. at the home, at 5335 W. N.C. 152. No one was home, but the fire was called in by a neighbor, officials said.

“The resident hasn’t lived there for the last seven or eight months,” said Fire Investigator Mark Troublefield.

He said neighbors said they had not noticed anyone there before the fire. The owner lives in an assisted living facility.

The three-bay garage, which is attached to the house, also sustained smoke and water damage in addition to the fire damage. The fire was contained to the garage, but the house did have some damage, but very little, Troublefield said.

He the garage was pretty much engulfed by the time the firefighters arrived.

The high temperatures meant more firefighters at the scene than normal for a fire this size.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.