Fire destroys vacant house, shuts section of Selkirk Avenue in Winnipeg

A fire in a vacant house has shut down a street in Winnipeg's North End.

Emergency crews were called just after 4 a.m. to Selkirk Avenue,between Arlington and Sinclair streets.

They foundheavy smoke and flames coming from the two-storey house andlaunched a defensive fire attack from the outsideas it was not safe for them to enter, a news release from the city says.

An aerial ladder truck wasused to attack the flames from above while also protecting two neighbouring homesthat were evacuated.

No injuries have been reported.

Crews are expected to be on scene for an extended period of time, with the street closurelasting throughout the day.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

No damage estimates are available at this time but the house is expected to be a complete loss, the city says.

The cause of the fire will be under investigation.