A fire in a two-and-a-half storey vacant duplex in the 500 block of McDermot Avenue overnight has proved to be challenging to emergency crews.

Firefighters were called to the scene of the blaze around 1:00 am on Friday, August 28, 2020. When they arrived heavy smoke and flames were shooting out of the structure.

Although an offensive attack was initially launched conditions forced crews to back out of the building and transition to a defensive attack. Aerial ladders were set up to pour water on the flames from above.

Fire officials say a neighbouring home was evacuated as a precaution.

Although they did not require hospitalization one firefighter was injured while battling the blaze.

Crews are expected to be at the scene for most of the day Friday as they continue to fight the fire.

Fire investigators will determine the cause of the fire. The building is expected to be a total loss.

© News4.ca 2020