Fire caused extensive damage to a house at 22nd and Duncan Streets in St Joseph early Friday morning.

Officials say the blaze was first reported shortly after 3am. By 5am flames had burned through the roof of the two-story structure, and fire crews were forced into a defensive posture to protect neighboring houses.

No one was inside when the fire broke out, and crews at the scene indicated there were no injuries.

A fire inspector was on the scene and will investigate what caused the blaze.

South 22nd Street was closed at Duncan Street to facilitate the firefighting effort.