BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Fire Department responded to a fire at the former St. Ann's Church at Broadway and Emslie on Friday.
Fire Commissioner Daniel Pizzarro said that the flames mostly remained confined to an addition on the back of the building, only slightly impacting the former sanctuary.
As a well-known abandoned building in Buffalo, Pizzarro confirmed that no electricity or gas was running inside, leading him to believe that the cause of the fire was man-made.
"We've been here a few times [since January] with squatters, with people living inside. What I can confirm is that there was a makeshift bed right at the entrance of that rear structure that the fire started in, and we do have some persons of interest that were seen leaving the scene," Pizzarro said. "But, that does not conclude any type of arson... There is a human element involved, whether or not that was intentional has yet to be determined."
No firefighters or community members were injured.
A damage cost estimate and the exact cause of the fire are both under investigation.
This is the second fire on the St. Ann's property this year. In January, firefighters battled a four-alarm blaze at the former St. Ann's School Building. Officials said over 120 personnel responded, and damage was estimated at $600,000.
WATCH: Crews respond to 4-alarm fire at former St. Ann's School Building on Emslie Street in Buffalo
About a month after the fire, Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan promised taxpayers they wouldn't have to foot the bill for demolition, holding the owner responsible.
"You have a responsibility to secure your building," he said. "We're going to be out of the business of demolishing or repairing privately owned structures at the taxpayer expense."
The fire at the former school building didn't damage the former church, but in April, we spoke to Sheryl Williams, who has lived across from St. Ann’s since 1960, who raised concerns about the church. Williams said, "It’s a disgrace," and called for repair or demolition of the building.
WATCH: Residents react as conditions worsen at historic St. Ann’s Church
