House damaged by fire in University District

A house in the area of Gonzaga University was severely damaged by fire Thursday night.

A woman who identified herself as the homeowner said she was moving in belongings at around 8:30 p.m. when she smelled smoke. Reports of the fire drew a heavy response from local fire crews, which arrived shortly afterward and began dousing the structure.

The house at Ruby Street and Mission Avenue was empty at the time and no one was hurt, the owner said. However, the interior of the house appeared to have sustained significant damage.

A nearby billboard reading “Make it Hotter” was also scorched.