Several streets in University Heights have been blocked off following a three-alarm fire that tore through a house in the neighborhood.  

The fire started at 4 p.m. at 139 Zeiser Place, according to the FDNY. Residents nearby say they saw heavy smoke in the air that made it hard for them to breathe. Dozens of people stood outside watching the home go up in flames.  

The cause of the fire has not been determined by fire officials at this hour, but News 12 spotted a number of charred e-bikes being removed from the property by firefighters.