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U-District fire sends smoke plume over city

SEATTLE — Smoke could be seen billowing into the sky over North Seattle from a fire that broke out at a home in the city's University District.

PHOTOS: U-District house fire sends smoke into sky

Crews were called to an abandoned home on Ninth Avenue Northeast near Northeast 45th Street around 5 a.m. Wednesday. The home was slated for demolition.

When firefighters arrived, the home was fully involved in flames.  Crews fought the fire defensively from the outside because it was too dangerous for them to go inside.

A Seattle fire spokeswoman said no one was believed to be inside, but crews have been unable to confirm if the home was empty because its roof is collapsing.

At 6 a.m., Seattle fire said the flames had been knocked down and that crews were working to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.

Firefighters are warning people who live in the area to keep doors and windows closed to avoid exposure to smoke.

Washington State Department of Transportation cameras on I-5 at Northeast 45th and 50th streets showed a large plum of smoke.  It has since dissipated.

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