It's something we hear of all too often in the city of Youngstown vacant homes up in flames, possibly the work of another arsonist .That was likely the case tonight, two vacant homes on the city's East side, once victims of scrap metal thieves, Now nothing but rubble.

You could spot it miles away, bellows of thick, black smoke filling the air on Youngstown's East side tonight. Calls came pouring into our newsroom around 5:30 people wanting to know what was going on.

"IT'S A TYPICAL DOUBLE HOUSE FIRE. AND THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE WE SAW IT FROM DOWNTOWN WHEN WE PULLED OUT ."--Rich Russo Acting Fire Chief

When crews arrived on North Forest Ave just three minutes later the flames were so intense Chief Russo says there was no way his men could enter the vacant homes. Instead, their main concern protect the neighboring homes.

"WE WERE JUST CONCERNED B/C IT DID GET EXTREMELY HOT ACROSS THE STREET. FORTUNATELY IT WAS AL SIDING INSTEAD OF VINYL .THE HOUSE DOWN THE STREET WAS VINYL AND IT MELTED."--Rich Russo Acting Fire Chief

The wind didn't help crews called for a second ladder truck as smoke and flames came close to taking over this home.

"THIS IS LIKE A FAMILY HOUSE SO WE WAS LIKE IS ANYTHING OVER HERE GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE."--Shanequa Gordon Lives Across The Street

Fortunately the answer to that question is no.Due to the quick response no one was injured. Just a few frustrated fire-men trying to get enough water to put it out.

"WE HAD A LITTLE PROBLEM WITH THE WATER. THIS IS A TOUGH AREA FOR THE FLOW.HOW MUCH WATER WE GET . SO WE HAVE TO GET WHAT WE HAVE AND PRESSURIZE IT ."--Rich Russo Acting Fire Chief

And to access those hydrants Oak, Charolette and Garland streets were closed until the final flame was nothing but ash.Fire crews are calling the blaze "suspicious" as of now. But arson investigators will examine the scene, though the chances of ever finding a cause are slim.

"WE'LL TURN IT OVER, SEE IF THEY CAN FIND ANYTHING, IT'S HARD WHEN IT'S TOTALLY DEMOLISHED."--Rich Russo Acting Fire Chief

Though no one's lived in the two homes for years, But Gordon did say she's seen a few stray dogs come and go. But, at this point it's unclear if any were inside.