A busy Gwinnett County road is open to drivers Monday morning after a massive overnight fire.

Authorities closed parts of U.S. 78 through Snellville just after midnight Monday when a vacant home caught fire. The highway was shut down from Scenic Highway to Civic Drive through 5 a.m. while investigators were on scene.

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The one-story home, located in the 2400 block of U.S. 78/East Main Street, was being maintained by an estate and no one was inside when it went up in flames, Gwinnett fire spokesman Justin Wilson said.

Several 911 callers reported seeing flames in the area of Krystal and Renasant Bank just after midnight Monday.  (Photo: Gwinnett County Fire Department)

Credit: Gwinnett County Fire Department

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Credit: Gwinnett County Fire Department

When crews arrived about 12:15 a.m., they found heavy fire involvement and flames shooting through the roof, he said. It took them nearly 40 minutes to knock down the bulk of the flames and another hour to get the fire under control.

No one was injured.

“A search of the home was completed and found no victims,” Wilson said in a news release. “The home sustained extensive fire damage throughout the entire structure and is considered a total loss.”

 A vacant home in the 2400 block of U.S. 78/East Main Street in Snellville is a total loss after an overnight fire, according to officials. (Photo: Gwinnett County Fire Department) 

Credit: Gwinnett County Fire Department

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Credit: Gwinnett County Fire Department

Because of the extensive damage, a fire investigator has not determined what caused the blaze. It is believed the fire started near the center of the home, Wilson said.

While there are several businesses nearby, none were damaged.

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