Three-alarm fire rips through building in Walnut Hills Tuesday morning

CINCINNATI — A vacant building in Walnut Hills caught fire Tuesday morning, prompting a three-alarm response from firefighters, according to officials.

The Cincinnati Fire Department responded to the 800 block of Buena Vista Place Tuesday around 1:30 a.m. for the fire. Once on scene, firefighters called for additional support to put the flames out. About 70 firefighters eventually descended on the flame-ridden building, according to District Fire Chief Jason Vollmer.

Officials with CFD believe the fire started in the attic of the building. The fire department tweeted out the fire was "stubborn," and this caused the firefighters to change some of their strategies to put it out.

The building was constructed in the 1910s, according to fire officials, and the way the building was constructed is one reason why firefighters are having a difficult time putting the flames out.

Even though the construction of the building is making it more difficult to put the fire out, Vollmer said older buildings like this one were built to last for a long time and that makes them safer for firefighters.

Officials expect to be on scene for several hours. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and the incident is under investigation.

WCPO will update this story as more information becomes available.