OBSERVER Photo The Westfield Fire Department ladder truck assists in Saturday afternoon’s Portland house fire on Church Street.

PORTLAND — Smoke filled Church Street on Saturday afternoon as volunteer fire departments from across northern Chautauqua County battled a house blaze.

Around 3:15 p.m., crews were called to 8644 Church St. near Second Street for the blaze. The rear of the home was heavily damaged while firefighters, using the Westfield Fire Department ladder truck, were attacking the blaze from the roof.

Flames could be seen at moments coming from the corners of the home as heavy smoke filled the neighborhood. By about 6:15 p.m., firefighters had the blaze under control.

Departments on the scene included: Portland, Brocton, Westfield, Mayville, Fredonia, Stockton, Ripley as well as Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services. An investigation into the fire is continuing.