The vacant house damaged by fire; neighbors say squatters lived there

No injuries were reported after a vacant home burned early Thursday in Lafayette.

Lafayette firefighters were called to the 200 block of Chester Street just before 7 a.m. Thursday and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home.

Emergency crews entered the home, assuming occupants, to conduct search operations. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Neighbors informed the firefighters that a person (individual) crouched in the home. The home sustained heavy fire damage.

Firefighters are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lafayette Fire Department at 337-291-8716.