A house under construction in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego caught fire Friday and was quickly knocked down by firefighters.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 4000 block of 42nd Street, between University and Polk Avenues, shortly after 12:30 p.m. Friday and found heavy flames and smoke, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Fire Information Officer Capt. Jason Shanley. It took about 15 minutes to knock down the flames.

Shanley said the fire broke out in the backyard at a construction site where a house was being built.

Firefighters took a defensive posture after learning that there was no one inside and kept the flames from spreading to nearby homes, according to Shanley, who said it is likely a total loss, but too soon to tell.

Five fire engines, one fire truck

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