Neighbors said homeless persons had been occupying this vacant house on Walnut Street in Gaffney. Authorities said the blaze started in an upstairs bedroom. (Ledger photo / TIM GULLA) A boarded-up home on Walnut Street that had become a squatting place for homeless persons went up in flames Monday evening.

Fire began in a second floor room at 209 Walnut St. after 7 p.m. Monday and smoke colored orange by the intense fire rose like a fireball above the City of Gaffney skyline.

Aided by the age and condition of the home, the fire burned completely through the roof and started burning through the wood siding even as firefighters trained multiple hoses from multiple angles on the structure. The home was a complete loss before the night ended.

"Neighbors reported it was vacant for at least a couple of years," Gaffney Fire Chief Nathan Ellis said. "It had been without power service for at least two years as well."

Electric utility workers arrived at the scene while firefighters were battling the blaze. Although there was no live power, they cut the utility lines leading to the building.

There were mattresses and other items on the second floor. Neighbors in the area had previously seen homeless people using the building, Ellis said. Neighbors had also reported previously seeing candlelight shining out the windows of the second story room where the fire began, Ellis said.

"We're pretty sure it's an accidental fire," Ellis said. The fire most likely was sparked by candles or smoking materials, he said.

Ellis said he still was trying to determine ownership of the property and believed the owners lived out of town.

He said the city already was discussing code enforcement procedures to get the property cleaned up.

In addition to firefighters from all three city stations (headquarters, Overbrook and East Gaffney), firefighters from Corinth Volunteer Fire Department and Grassy Pond Volunteer Fire Department responded to render assistance.

Upstate Carolina Medical Center paramedics also responded to the scene in case medical assistance was needed.

No injuries were reported.