WEST LINN, Ore. -- A three-alarm blaze destroyed a 10,000-square-foot home with irreplaceable pieces of artwork inside Saturday, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue officials said.

Firefighters were called to 25144 SW Petes Mountain Road after a heat sensor and alarm were activated.

They initially didn't see fire when they showed up to the gated property, but then spotted flames on the lower level when they circled the home.

The property, which contained several buildings, didn't have a fire sprinkler system and there were no fire hydrants nearby.

Officials said firefighters, who knew there was no one inside the house, were forced to take a defensive fire attack. They drew water from a hydrant located off the property and from a nearby pond.

The blaze, however, grew considerably and spread throughout the expansive home. Firefighters protected the adjacent buildings, but the home was destroyed.

The family was in Madras at the time of the fire.

There hasn't been an estimate on damage and the investigation is under way. Fire officials said the home had many irreplaceable pieces of art and furniture.

The family is insured and will be staying with friends.

Firefighters Kept Busy With West Linn Fires

Before firefighters were alerted to the Petes Mountain Road fire, they were already extinguishing a house fire at 1914 Hall Street.

They were called at 1:51 a.m. A teenager, the only person at the home at the time of the blaze, had escaped with the help of West Linn police officers.

Firefighters found heavy flames coming from the back side of the home. They attacked it aggressively and contained it before spreading to neighboring homes, officials said.

Investigators said the fire likely started in a back yard gazebo and spread to the deck, which included a propane barbecue. From there, the fire climbed up the outside of the home.

The exact cause of the fire hasn't been determined.

While firefighters were still extinguishing the Hall Street house fire, they received word a heat sensor and alarm had been activated at the home on Petes Mountain Road.