Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a fire in a vacant two-storey house in the 450 block of Stella Avenue early Saturday morning.

The fire was well-involved when firefighters arrived on the scene with smoke and flames shooting out of the roof. High winds fed the flames making for challenging conditions for fire crews.

A defensive attack was launched with firefighters deploying landlines and an aerial ladder truck to battle the blaze.

The fire was declared under control at 1:08 am but a fire watch was established to prevent rekindling.

Firefighters conducted a search but no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.

The house was destroyed in the blaze after the roof, second floor and chimney collapsed. The property was also the scene of two other recent fires.

Neighbours told News 4 that several squatters had been staying in the home off and on over the past year.

• Arcs and sparks light up night sky as garage burns

In October 2021 a detached garage on the property caught on fire and burned to the ground.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

© News4.ca 2022