Witnesses recalled a “massive” fire that tore through an east London house late Monday, startling neighbours and sending six student-tenants scrambling to safety.

London fire department officials say they were called to the fire at 948 Prosperity Court just after 11:30 p.m. Monday – with video from the scene, obtained by The Free Press, showing towering flames shooting from the roof of the house, located near Fanshawe College.

We were really scared and shocked,” said Fanshawe College student Kolapo Bankole, a neighbour who lives across the street. “There was a lot of commotion. It was a massive fire.”

Neighbours had to move their cars and there were concerns the fire could spread to other houses, Bankole said.

Kevin Shah recorded video of the scene, showing firefighters battling the blaze as it tore through the home’s garage. “It was alarming,” he said.

Fire officials said there was “extensive” damage, but didn’t immediately provide a cost estimate. There were no injuries and the house had working smoke alarms, they said. The homeowner declined to speak with reporters at the scene.

On Tuesday morning, the left exterior wall of the two-storey house showed severe damage. One neighbour, Hitkumar Patel, estimated firefighters were battling the blaze until about 2 a.m. As of Tuesday morning, the investigation into the cause was ongoing, fire officials said.

Source: Six students escape injury in late-night house fire: London Fire officials | London Free Press