A duplex in the North End is a total loss after a large fire on Sunday evening.

The City of Winnipeg says the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to the 300 block of Parr Street around 9:40 p.m.

When emergency crews arrived the fire at the one and a half storey duplex was "well-involved" and had spread throughout multiple levels of the building.

Firefighters were forced out of the building due to deteriorating and high-heat conditions the city says. Crews used an aerial ladder and hand lines to fight the fire until conditions improved. At that point they were able to re-enter the building for an offensive attack.

The stubborn fire was not declared under control until just after 11 p.m. Crews have remained on the scene to monitor it and prevent additional flareups.

While five people were able to escape the building safely, the structure itself is considered a total loss.