Firefighters are investigating a blaze that destroyed a downtown South Bend home early Thursday morning.
It broke out at a two-story home on the 800 block of Napier Street between the Kroc Center and the Studebaker Museum at approximately 3:18.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, the two-story building was fully engulfed in flames. They tried to get inside to battle the fire but officials say the heat was too bad for them to enter. Eventually the roof collapsed and part of the first floor caved in.
"It was heavy black smoke throughout the whole structure and we had a lot of flames coming from the rear of the structure, which had spread through the roof," Battalion Chief Nick Tekler told FOX 28's Amir Abbas.
Firefighters say one man was home when it happened but he was able to get out okay. He is currently staying with a neighbor. His home is being called a total loss.
Napier Street was closed for a short time between Laurel and Chapin Streets, but we're told that did not cause any significant traffic problems.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
"It's going to be a long time before our investigators can get in there, if they can," Tekler said. "The structure is pretty weakened."
