Flames were seen shooting out of an upstairs flat window as a raging fire took hold inside a home in Newcastle.
Thick black smoke also drifted out into the air as fire crews rushed inside the Benwell flat to check if anyone was trapped inside.
Two crews, one from Newcastle Central station and the other from Swalwell station, were called to the flat fire on Clara Street on Saturday at 4.30pm.
Three hose reels were used to douse the fire, which was "well alight", and a thermal imaging camera was used to look for anybody who could be inside the home.
After a thorough search no one was found in the property.
Paramedics were also on standby during the fire and police officers were called to help keep the scene secure.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all crews involved and our control room. Our communities can be reassured that we are still maintaining our high level of response even in these challenging times."
