HEAVY smoke poured out of the second storey of a large disused building in York as two dozen fire fighters fought back flames in the early hours of today.

Four fire engines and the 100-foot turntable ladder went to the scene at Heworth Green after being alerted to the fire at 6.30am. They were armed with four sets of breathing apparatus, two jets and a hose reel.

A York Police spokesman said officers were called at 7.20am to lend assistance to the fire brigade at the former York St John College Sports Centre in Heworth Green, opposite the former Heworth Transco gas site.

Crews were still there during rush-hour which was not affected by the smoke pouring out of the upper level of the two-storey, boarded-off building.

Speaking from the scene, Leading Firefighter Andrew Savory said it was still unclear what had caused the fire, but it appeared that someone had got into the building. He said firefighters using breathing apparatus had checked the building, but no one was inside.

Updated: 10:10 Thursday, February 24, 2005