Authorities are trying to determine what caused a home to catch fire Friday in Lithonia, Channel 2 Action News reported.

A house-sitter, who was watching the home for the hospitalized owner, was able to get out of the residence safely, the report said.

The fire in the 3300 block of S. Rockview Court started in the basement and destroyed about 60 percent of the split-level house, officials told Channel 2.

Firefighters initially thought someone was trapped inside the home, but it was empty.