DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Fire Department responded to a fire at a boarded-up home in the Drake neighborhood Friday night.

Just before 9 p.m., DMFD crews were called to the 2200 block of University Avenue on reports of a structure fire with heavy fire showing, according to Des Moines Fire Department Fire Chief Brian Davis

Fire crews arrived on the scene and found heavy flames coming from the three-story house. Crews began efforts to remove the boarding and knock down the flames. Once flames were under control, a primary search did not find anybody in the home.

An additional engine was called in due to the several stories in the home all containing flames.

Crews were able to extinguish flames on the first and second floors quickly. Flames in the attic took longer to get under control.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the fire started in the back of the home on the outside before making its way inside and spreading. The cause of the fire is under investigation.