A Northshore Fire Protection District firefighter at 6438 15th Ave. in Lucerne. The home was damaged by fire late on Monday, April 20, 2009. Photo by Elizabeth Larson.

LUCERNE – A fire seriously damaged a house in Lucerne on Monday night.

The fire was reported before 9:30 p.m. at 6438 15^th Ave.

Northshore Fire personnel, three Northshore Fire engines, an ambulance and three Lake County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene.

Battalion Chief Pat Brown said the fire's source appeared to be a small propane tank inside the house.

The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire, according to Northshore Fire Protection District Chief Jim Robbins. The owner was living down the street while the house was being renovated.

The propane caused two windows – one in the front and one in the back – to bust out, said Robbins.

Although the interior of the home incurred significant damage, the home's structure appeared to be all right. 'We actually made a good save on it,” said Robbins.

The fire itself was extinguished quickly. As firefighters mopped up the scene, Brown and Robbins interviewed the owner and others at the scene to complete the fire investigation.

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Firefighters at the scene speak with Northshore Fire Battalion Chief Pat Brown (right). Brown said the fire appeared to have originated with a propane tank. Photo by Elizabeth Larson.