Firefighters faced off with a dangerous blaze in Mount Vernon Monday.

Units were called to a vacant house on Bruce Avenue just after 12 p.m.

Nearly half of the first floor was overtaken by flames, which spread to the attic.

Officials tell News 12 they initially tried tackling the fire through the front door, but clutter and furniture barely allowed them to move beyond the entrance.

The cause of the fire is unknown, and authorities say it may stay that way because of the condition of the home.