(La Porte, IN) - A house in LaPorte was heavily damaged by fire this afternoon.

 

Just after 3 p.m., firefighters were called to 305 Niesen St. on the city’s northeast side.

 

Upon arrival, LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said there were flames shooting out from the roof and several windows in the brick-sided one a half story structure.

 

Initially, Snyder said an attempt was made to fight the flames on the inside of the home but firefighters were driven out by the heavy smoke and advancing flames.

 

Water was then applied strictly from the outside until it was safe enough for firefighters to reenter.

 

“We made some progress but the conditions were worsening in the back of the house,” he said.

 

Snyder said nobody was inside the home at the time.  It appears a family living there had recently moved out judging by the early findings of the investigation.  

About one hour later, the roof toward the back of the home showed obvious signs of potential collapse as the flames began diminishing.

 

“I’m not going to say it’s knocked down but they’re just working on some hot spots right now,” he said.

 

Snyder said the fire was reported by a bus driver for TransPorte, which is the city’s public transportation system.

 

There were no indications on what caused the fire but the investigation was still in its early stages.

 

“I doubt if this will be a repairable house. This looks like it’ll be a total loss,” he said.