NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Fire crews in New Albany are continuing to work at putting out a house fire that broke out early Friday morning. Officials said they believe the home is vacant and no injuries have been reported.
According to New Albany Fire Chief Matt Juliot, the fire was reported around 4:56 a.m. by a passerby who saw flames in the windows of a home on 11th and Market. The first engine was 300 to 400 feet down the road and responded immediately. When crews arrived, they encountered heavy fire on the back side of the home.
They entered the home and searched the first and second floors. They could not access the attic due to the flames. Based on the state of the home and the trash and debris they found inside, crews believe the house is vacant.
Elainea Lane-Lane Guzzo sent us this video from the scene. (Warning: There is profanity in the video.)
The first responders called for additional help when they realized the roof was collapsing. As of 7 a.m., they were still working to put out the fire in the attic. No other homes in the area have been evacuated.
Officials have not determined a cause yet. An investigator is on the scene and will stay there through most of the morning to learn more. Crews will continue to put out the fire in the attic and check for hot spots as well.
(WATCH: New Albany Fire Chief Matt Juliot provides details of the fire.)
Chief Juliot said the construction of the house caused some difficulty for the crews fighting the fire. He said the building was "like a carnival house" with steep, narrow stairwells, and unusual wall placement. There were "no stops" and open walls, so once the fire hit the walls, it immediately traveled to the attic.
Police have blocked off traffic from 10th to 12th on Market Street and are controlling traffic on Spring Street. Reporter Rob Harris said the smoke could be seen from across the river.
PHOTOS: New Albany House Fire
The Salvation Army brought coffee and hot chocolate for the first responders. Chief Juliot said the cold was not a major factor in fighting the fire Friday morning.
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