Damage is believed to be extensive after fire tore through a vacant north London home early Monday morning.
Firefighters were called to the three-storey structure at 1240 Richmond St., north of Raymond Avenue around 5:40 a.m.
"Crews arrived to a residential home that had been boarded up and found fire showing or venting from the rooftop and third floor," said Platoon Chief Shawn Fitzgerald.
The home is one of several side-by-side that are slated to be demolished. Despite being boarded up, there is evidence people have been going in and out of the structure. It was the site of another fire earlier this year.
Fitzgerald noted due to the poor condition of the home, firefighters were unable to conduct a search for anyone inside.
"We know there are holes in the floor. So because of the condition of the home and the amount of fire showing, interior searches were not done," said Fitzgerald. "We declared it a defensive fire fight, which means we just apply water from the exterior and from aerial water towers."
As of 8 a.m., firefighters were still extinguishing hot spots within the walls of the home.
"Fire damage is extensive. We don't have a dollar loss yet. That will be set by the fire investigator, who is on scene," added Fitzgerald.
No injuries have been reported.
Fire officials expected to remain on scene for much of the day as they investigate the cause of the blaze.
Richmond Street between Bernard Avenue and Windermere Road was briefly closed to traffic. It was reopened shortly before 9:30 a.m.
