The Mercer Island Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 5600 block of East Mercer Way that apparently started at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29. According to news reports, smoke from the fire could be seen miles away.

The Mercer Island Fire Department said that the occupants of the home in the 5600 block of Mercer Island Way were able to escape safely. But by the time firetrucks from Mercer Island, the Bellevue Fire Department and Eastside Fire and Rescue arrived, flames had already engulfed three-quarters of the home, news reports said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.