A fire that destroyed a house in Mount Vernon has left three people homeless and a slew of unanswered questions. 

Fire officials say there was no gas or electric service at 401 Numbers Ave. and the tenants were using a generator to power the home. Neighbors say they believe the generator caused the fire. 

Police, fire and Department of Buildings officials are trying to get to the bottom of what happened. It was not immediately clear if they think the fire was suspicious. 

They are attempting to determine if the home was illegally subdivided and what role the landlord played in renting the home that may not have been up to code. 

No one was hurt during the incident, but a dog died in the blaze.