House in the 800 block Hamilton Avenue was completely gutted by fire early Sunday morning. Photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – An couple managed to get out of their burning South Fort George house early Sunday morning but the house has been destroyed by the raging blaze.

Just before 4:30 Sunday morning Prince George Fire Rescue crews were called to a house fire in the 800 block Hamilton Avenue, off Queensway.  A neighbour had spotted flames coming from the older home and dialed 9-1-1-

Assistant Fire Chief Fred Wilkinson says crews from three fire halls arrived on scene and found heavy smoke and fire coming out of the house.  The blaze was so intense and extensive that only a defensive fire attack could be mounted.  The house is gutted, with damage estimated at $300,000.

The elderly couple living there were home at the time of the fire and managed to get out of the burning structure.  They were taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment of undetermined injuries.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and is under investigation.  One of the first firefighters on the scene told 250 News that it appeared the blaze had started on the front deck outside the house.

Fire crews will remain at the scene for a good part of the day to deal with any flare-ups that might occur.