LONDON, Ont. -- The call came in at 6 a.m. Thursday and despite arriving minutes later there was little firefighters could do to save a northeast London home from a fire.

Fire crews quickly determined that the fire at 427 Briarhill Avenue was a dangerous situation. Flames were shooting through the roof and a collapse was likely.

Officials declared the fire a defensive fire which means firefighters will not enter the home because of safety concerns.

By the time the fire was under control the home was destroyed. A large hole in the roof could be seen from the roadway.

A blackened interior could be seen through the windows.

Neighbours tell CTV News that no one currently lives at the home. It was recently sold and according to neighbours was under renovation.

A fire investigator has been called in to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

Damage is estimated at $400,000. No injuries have been reported.