Fire officials are investigating following a fire Tuesday morning in the William Whyte area. 

The blaze broke out just before 2:30 this morning in two vacant, boarded-up duplexes on Manitoba Avenue near McGregor Street. 

When crews arrived at the scene, they saw heavy flames and smoke coming from the buildings. Given the size of the fire, a second alarm was called, and more units responded to the scene. 

Neighbouring homes were evacuated. A transit bus was used as a temporary shelter for the displaced residents. 

No injuries were reported. 

The structural integrity of the duplexes is compromised, so crews are arranging emergency demolition of both buildings. WFPS crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning until demolition is complete to ensure all small pockets of fire are extinguished.

Both duplexes are considered a complete loss, while two neighbouring homes sustained water damage. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.