Emergency crews responded to a house fire on Boyd Ave. early Saturday morning. 

Crews responded to a 911 call just after 4 a.m. to reports of a fire in a vacant two-storey house in the 300 block of Boyd Avenue.

The WFPS says that upon arrival on scene crews encountered heavy smoke and flames and launched a defensive attack. Once conditions improved they transitioned to an offensive attack, however, were forced back to defensive as the integrity of the structure had been compromised.

The fire was declared under control at 5:56 a.m. The house suffered significant smoke, fire and water damage. 

People in a neighbouring home had to be evacuated as a precaution. They were able to return to their homes after firefighters finished their work.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are currently available.

Fires in vacant buildings concerning

This is at least the ninth fire in a vacant home in 2019.

Earlier this week assistant fire chief Mark Reshauror told CHVN, "We're very concerned about this trend and we're very concerned that tragedy will result."

Reshauror said the public can help by notifying the police of people entering vacant buildings. "If you see someone entering a vacant building, call the police, call 911, let them know because that is a break and enter," Reshaur explained. "People are illegally breaking into these properties, entering them, and causing significant damage to these properties."