Fire broke out at 69/71 Lincoln Street in Hartford Thursday morning and spread to all three floors.
Firefighters arrived to find fire throughout the building and heavy smoke, which was visible from East Hartford sky cameras.
No one was inside the home when firefighters arrived.
Hartford firefighters said it didn't take long for them to have to go on the defensive against the flames. They said flames and smoke hit them in the face, making it tough to breath as they tried to make their way into the home and check all three levels.
The first two levels were empty but the strength of the fire kept firefighters from being able to check the top floor where most of the fire was, officials said.
Officials believe the house is a total loss considering how quickly the flames spread.
Lincoln Street is closed between Broad and Affleck streets as crews work on putting out the fire.
Local
It's not clear what started the blaze.
