JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore -- Flames gutted one of Kerby's oldest homes on Friday morning, despite efforts by firefighters with the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD).

Firefighters responded just before 5:30 a.m., finding the top of a historic two-story home engulfed in flames in the 23000-block of Redwood Highway.

IVFD said that all of the residents were out of the house when firefighters arrived, although the agency was unsure how many lived in the dwelling.

"This older house had lots of tongue and groove wood ceiling making it more difficult to extinguish the fire," IVFD said.

Traffic crews had to completely close down the highway for over a half-hour while firefighters struggled with the burning home. It was until 11:15 a.m. that Redwood Highway was completely re-opened to traffic.

IVFD kept an ambulance on standby, just in case any firefighters or residents were injured. An engine and crew from Rural-Metro Fire aided in the efforts.