The fire happened in a rural part of Preble County around 4 a.m. on Route 725 between Camden and Gratis.

Investigators said Don McDulin, who works at Delphi in Kettering, was on his way home from work and saw flames coming out of the roof and the windows blown out. He said he worried that someone might be inside the incredibly illuminated inferno.

McDulin immediately called for help.

Investigators said firefighters arrived and began pouring water on the structure. They said the roof had already partially collapsed.

Firefighters from Camden and several surrounding fire departments battled the flames. They said water had to be trucked in because there were no fire hydrants in the area.

Investigators said the homeowners were in the process of remodeling the home and were not currently living in it.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.