Firefighters battle heavy smoke at east end blaze

Firefighters were called to Howland Avenue in London, Ont. for an attic fire on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (Marek Sutherland / CTV London)

Firefighters battled a blaze on Howland Avenue, near First Street Sunday, after a fire started in the attic.

Nobody was home when the fire started in the morning and an official says the tenants were at another adress at the time. Neighbours called in the fire.

Platoon Chief Jim Stockdale says firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire in the eavestrough when they arrived and the attic was engulfed.. He says the smoke could be seen from the Oxford Street and Highbury Avenue area. The damage to the home is extensive.

Firefighters had to force their way into the home.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and remains under investigation.