The Kern County Fire Department is investigating a fire that caused major damage to a structure in Lamont. 

Around 5:25 a.m. Monday, firefighters responded to the 11000 block of Santa Rosa Avenue between Wharton Avenue and Segrue Road.

When crews arrived on scene they found a vacant, boarded-up home with heavy smoke showing. 

Crews entered the burning building to fight the fire and search for possible occupants. No one was found inside. 

The fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damage to the home, but firefighters were able to protect neighboring homes from sustaining any damage. 

The cause of the fire is unknown, but KCFD said transient activity in the vacant structure cannot be ruled out.