Firefighters are on the scene of a multi-alarm fire that is tearing through several homes in the city's North Ward at this time.
According to preliminary reports, intense flames ripped through a vacant house located at 159 Mount Prospect Avenue at approximately 5:47 p.m. sending firefighters to the scene where first arriving crews observed fire engulfing the structure and extending to two other homes.
Fire officials on the scene struck a 2nd then 3rd alarm when fire jumped from building to building causing a dangerous situation for the neighborhood.
As of 6:13 p.m., the blaze has not been declared under control, and there are no injuries immediately reported.
Fire officials say at least four homes are burning at this time.
**UPDATE 6:37 P.M.** The fire has been placed under control.