BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Officials with the Buffalo Fire Department said on Friday that they believe they have determined the source of the fire downtown that caused $6 million in total damage.
Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo spoke with reporters on Friday afternoon and said investigators were able to access the building at 36 Church Street and determine the fire likely started in the kitchen area on the second floor. He said there was a burner on an electric stove that was left on.
JUST IN: Buffalo Fire Commissioner Renaldo announcing an electric stove left on in the kitchen of a law firm was the cause yesterday’s 4-alarm
— Eileen Buckley (@eileenwkbw) May 2, 2025
fire that destroyed 36 Church Street @WKBW pic.twitter.com/oLqO1eHOYs
"We did find one of the burns was in the 'on' position, the right rear burner, and it was some melted material, some sort on top of the stove, so we do believe that that was the cause of the fire," said Commissioner Renaldo.
The fire department believes that at this time, the fire was accidental.
Authorities said the building will be demolished next week.
Firefighters first responded to the fire at 36 Church Street just before 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Buffalo Fire Department Battalion Chief Patrick Lalley said when crews arrived at the scene around 12:17 p.m. they found fire on the second floor. The fire went to a second alarm at 12:24 p.m., then third alarm at 12:29 p.m. and a fourth alarm at 1:04 p.m.
According to Lalley, crews backed out of the building due to the conditions after the fire spread to the third floor and then the roof.
As of around 4 p.m. on Thursday, officials announced the fire was under control and crews remained on scene conducting overhaul operations and monitoring for hot spots.
36 Church Street is located between the historic Guaranty and Verizon Buildings. Although both buildings sustained damage, Lalley explained that there were fire crews in both buildings with live lines watching the walls just in case the fire spread.
The Guaranty Building is owned by Hodgson Russ, where about 300 employees work. The building is closed for now.
"It was frightening, because the fire department actually fought some of the fire from inside the building," said Ben Zuffranieri, managing partner. "The hoses were in the building, and the firemen were in the building. There's water leaking everywhere. We're doing an assessment of the extent of property damage that we've suffered in the building."
Hodgson Russ issued the following statement late Friday afternoon:
"On Thursday, May 1, 2025, a fire in an adjoining building to The Guaranty Building, Hodgson Russ LLP’s headquarters in Buffalo, NY, caused the firm to temporarily close the office. Everyone exited the building safely.
While the firm is assessing the full impact of the fire, it appears The Guaranty Building sustained some property damage. The firm is engaging specialized teams to conduct an evaluation of the building and is committed to preserving this National Historic Landmark.
Hodgson Russ employs sophisticated systems to safeguard client files, and there was no loss of client material or data. The firm has implemented its business continuity plan, and our attorneys and staff are working remotely and remain fully available to assist with client needs.
Hodgson Russ will re-open The Guaranty Building as soon as possible. Our remaining offices across the US and Toronto remain open and are operating without disruption.
The firm wishes to express sincere thanks to the Buffalo Fire and Police Departments, and other first responders, for their commitment to ensuring the safety of all people affected and for protecting the integrity of The Guaranty Building."
Below you can watch drone video of the fire.
The following damage overview was provided by a city spokesperson:
- Original Fire Building – 36 Church Street: Estimated $3 million in structural damage and $1.6 million to contents.
- 65 Franklin Street (Verizon Building): Sustained approximately $25,000 in smoke and water damage.
- Exposure 2 – 140 Pearl Street (Prudential Building, also known as Guaranty Building): Estimated $750,000 in structural damage and $150,000 to contents.
- Exposure 3 – 130-132 Pearl Street: Estimated $500,000 in structural damage.
- Total Estimated Damages: $6,025,000.
A Paul William Beltz PC law office is located at 36 Church Street, and the firm released the following statement:
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon issued the following statement Thursday night:
“I want to commend and thank the dedicated men and women of the Buffalo Fire Department for their swift and courageous response to this afternoon’s four-alarm fire on Church Street in downtown Buffalo. Their quick action prevented further spread and helped protect two of Buffalo’s more historically and architecturally significant buildings from major damage.
I’m also pleased to report that no civilians were injured. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for dehydration and is expected to fully recover.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to our Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Permits and Inspections Services, the Buffalo Police Department and all first responders that assisted on location. The coordination and professionalism on display today reflects the strength and preparedness of Buffalo’s emergency response professionals. Thank you all for your continued service to our city."
