Portland firefightere were still at the scene of a house fire on Prospect Street this evening. The fire appeared to have caused heavy damage to the three-story home.

Deputy Fire Chief Michael Shutts said Valerie Barris of 33 Prospect St. was not at home when the fire broke out around 4:30. He said firefighters were able to rescue some of her pets.

More than 40 firefighters are still at the home this evening fighting the smoky blaze. Sections of Deering Avenue near Prospect Street had to be shut down.

"It's an older home with a lot of enclosed areas. That is why it is taking so long," Shutts explained. "Firefighters made a gallant effort to keep it from spreading."

Shutts said the fire does not appear to be suspicious, though it could take some time before a cause is known.

One firefighter slipped through a hole in a floor, injuring his leg. The firefighter, who Shutts would not identify, was taken to Maine Medical Center to be checked out.

A neighbor, Fern Dyer, who has known Barris for six months, said Barris works at a postal facility in Scarborough. Dyer stopped by the fire scene to offer her friend shelter.