An early morning blaze is keeping fire crews busy for much of Saturday.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded to a structural fire at a vacant house on Jean Street at approximately 2:30 a.m.
The frigid weather was a hinderance for firefighters as the entire exterior of the house was completely covered in ice.
Crews were forced to use a defensive approach after the fire had spread to the walls of the building to protect adjacent residences. An aerial ladder was used and was still putting water into a third floor window early in the afternoon.
Platoon chief Larry Warner arrived on the scene at the beginning of the day shift and said crews were still working to ensure the flames were completely out.
“The weather conditions have been a real concern with difficulties with freezing,” Warner said. “The fire is under control but not declared out yet because the house in encrusted in ice which is making it difficult.”
Warner added it might take most of the day and into the evening before the fire could officially be declared out. He also said the house is likely a write-off.
There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
