Labor Day turned out to be anything but a holiday for Muncie firefighters, who spent more than three hours contending with a stubborn house blaze north of downtown Muncie.
The blaze at 701 N. Jefferson St., two blocks east of Central High School was reported at 8:15 a.m.
The house which did not have utility service was officially vacant, although at least one person was determined to be living there.
That man emerged from the burning house and reportedly acknowledged he had been cooking food inside.
"When we arrived, we had heavy fire and smoke coming from four windows, from the upper floor, and also heavy fire coming from the front door (and) over the porch," said Mark Hill, a Muncie Fire Department lieutenant.