Niagara Falls, NY - At around 5:30 P.M. on May 18th, Niagara Falls Fire crews resonded to a structure fire at 1541/1545 Pierce Ave.

Niagara Falls Fire Chief Joe Pedulla said that upon arrival crews found heavy smoke throughout the first and second floors, and located heavy fire on the first floor in the rear. The first initial crew made entry into the structure and at that time the fire had started to spread up the stairwell into the second floor and eventually through the roof. Due to the conditions, all firefighters evacuated the building and began defensive operations.

Chief Pedulla says the dwelling is occupied, but that the resident was not home at the time of the fire. There were no injuries, and the cause is under investigation.