The fire at 1918 22nd St. W. was under control in about 20 minutes, fire officials said. The cause isn't known, but it's been deemed suspicious. (Kathy Fitzpatrick/CBC)

A Saskatoon house fire Monday night that caused about $25,000 in damage has been called "suspicious" by investigators.

A neighbour reported seeing flames at the back of a bungalow near 22nd Street and Avenue T around 8:22 p.m. CST.

No one was home at the house, at 1918 22nd St., when fire crews searched it.

Among the witnesses was Eugene Starblanket, who lives next door.

"I was taking out the garbage and I noticed the back, there was two double beds against the house. They were engulfed in flames," Starblanket said.

"So I was going to go get them away from the house, but then the heat was too intense."

Starblanket ran back to his own house and told his wife to call the fire department.

Crews arrived and had the blaze under control in about 20 minutes. The damage was confined to the back wall and the attic, fire officials said.

An investigation into the cause continues Tuesday.