SAN DIEGO - A fire of unknown origin spread through a Nestor-area home late Friday afternoon, authorities reported.

The blaze in the 2000 block of Ilex Avenue was reported shortly before 5 p.m., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Dispatchers said the blaze began in the garage and spread through the rest of the house.

A woman who lived in the home was seen running towards the house when it was still on fire.

"The homeowner was trying to go back towards her house and fire personnel who were actually fighting the fire attempted to restrain her," said San Diego police Lt. David Rohowitz.

Fire officials told 10News she might have believed a family member was still inside. Fortunately, he was not. Neighbors saw him escape earlier.

"He was just taking a shower and the dog started barking," said neighbor Aunqinque Reeding. "That's when he ran downstairs and saw the fire in the garage."

It took crews about 20 minutes to subdue the flames, a dispatcher said.

No injuries were reported. The fire caused about $400,000 in damage.

Investigators told 10News the family lost almost all of their belongings, but one neighbor might have helped to save one thing that cannot be replaced.

"The neighbor to the rear kicked in the fence and pulled their dog into their yard," said Lt. Alex Leon, who is with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

*Click here to view images from the fire.