A suspicious fire nearly destroyed a house in Eau Claire.

The fire happened Sunday night around 8 p.m. at 1119 Second Avenue in downtown Eau Claire.

Captain Bryon Benson with the Eau Claire Fire Department says the house is abandoned. The fire department says it had to pull crews out of the heat in fear of the roof collapsing, but did battle the fire from outside.

Crews say a fire investigator was on scene and the fire appears to be suspicious.

Damage is estimated at $100,000.

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STORY FROM 10/2/11
EAU CLAIRE (WEAU) - Eau Claire fire crews are on the scene of a house fire on 2nd Avenue in downtown Eau Claire.

Crews were called to the scene shortly after 8:00 p.m. to 1119 2nd Avenue.

Our photographer on the scene tells us smoke is coming from the attic and flames are visible from the roof and from the back of the house.

The Eau Claire Fire Department says the house is vacant.

They say a fire investigator is on scene and they're deeming the fire as suspicious at this time.

Captain Bryon Benson with Eau Claire Fire says crews did an offensive attack for at least a half hour, but later resorted to a defensive attack.

The Fire Department says it had to pull the crews out of the heat in fear of the roof collapsing.

The fire has not officially been confirmed under control.

The Eau Claire Police Department and Eau Claire Fire Department are on scene.

We will be gathering details over the evening and overnight and will bring you the latest information on WEAU 13 News at 10 which will air as soon as Sunday night football is over and on WEAU 13 News Sunrise.