OAKLAND — State fire investigators worked Wednesday to determine the cause of an overnight fire that destroyed an unoccupied residence at 3229 Pysell Crosscut Road.

The 2:58 a.m. fire was discovered by a passerby before 911 was called, prompting alert of 25 volunteer firefighters to the scene.

The property owned by Raymond and Debra Bennett was declared a total loss by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, who $75,000 damage to the structure and $5,000 to its contents.

The fire originated in the living room of the single-story dwelling.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Deputy State Fire Marshal Mike Mattingly.

Oakland, Deer Park, Bittinger, Kitzmiller, Deep Creek and Elk Garden companies responded.