Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of a fire that forced the demolition of a Willard Street home last week. No one was injured in the blaze. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

City fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of a fire last week that destroyed a Willard Street home.

Jamestown Fire Battalion Chief Sam Salemme said due to the amount of damage Thursday night to 383 1/2 Willard St., city officials were forced to demolish the property out of safety concerns. As a result, fire investigators were not able to confirm a cause of the blaze.

The fire was reported around 9:35 p.m., and crews arrived to find the property engulfed by flames.

Salemme said the lone tenant of the property had left for work about a half-hour before the fire was discovered. No injuries were reported, and the local chapter of the American Red Cross assisted the tenant.

Salemme said the property was razed by early Friday after the emergency demolition was ordered.

Fifteen off-shift firefighters were called to assist battle the Thursday night blaze. Crews were on scene past midnight.