The cause of a two-alarm blaze on Beaver Lane in Discovery Bay remains under investigation, but officials are putting the estimate of damages to the split-level, 2,000-square-foot home at more than $350,000.

No injuries were reported during the Tuesday morning fire that began at 8:59 a.m. and was under control by approximately 9:35 a.m., according to East Contra Costa Fire District Battalion Chief Jeff Burris. "The occupant was not at home at the time. He had gone shopping with his dog," said Burris. "At this point, the home is not inhabitable."

Eight fire engines, including one from Antioch, and two battalion chiefs from the Contra Costa Fire District were dispatched to the scene.

Because Discovery Bay is on the periphery of the fire district's jurisdiction, response times are often longer, said Burris. And because the fire district employs two-man crews, as opposed to the standard three-man crews in the rest of the county, more engines need to be sent to Discovery Bay.

"Because of our low staffing patterns, we need to have more engines come out and respond," said Burris.

The Tuesday fire is the fourth home fire in Discovery Bay since July.