PEABODY (CBS) – Several firefighters became trapped while battling a house fire Monday morning.

Authorities said that the fire on Surrey Lane was a big challenge because the owner was hoarding piles of debris in the home.

“Inside, it’s piles 4-to-5-to-6 feet high in some areas. You couldn’t move around and get to the scene of the fire,” said Dep. Fire Chief Paul Lynch.

“At one point, the guys were on the upper story and the fire flashed over, trapping the guys up on the first floor.”

All three firefighters and the owner got out of the house safely.

There’s no word yet on how the fire started.