The sole occupant managed to escape a significant house fire late Wednesday night.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS responded to a residential fire at 10:30 p.m. on Capt. Vancouver Drive in South Whidbey, according to fire Chief Rusty Palmer.

The woman inside left through the back door and sought help down the street, Palmer said. The garage and connected parts of the house were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

The fire seemed to start in the garage, but personnel were unsure what the cause was. Palmer said there wasn’t evidence to suggest it was intentionally set or suspicious in nature.

Palmer said 22 responders, with three from Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue, worked to extinguish the blaze for about three hours.

Approximately 50 percent of the home was damaged, with parts of the structure collapsing, he said. Many of the owner’s personal items were undamaged.

The house next door, which was relatively close, was also undamaged.