BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Fire Department responded to a four-alarm fire on Church Street in Downtown Buffalo just before 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Buffalo Fire Department Battalion Chief Patrick Lalley provided an update just before 3 p.m. on Thursday. He said when crews arrived at the scene at 36 Church Street, they found fire on the second floor. The fire went to a second alarm, then third alarm and then 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., 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. Lalley said both buildings were protected and safe. He explained that there were fire crews in both buildings with live lines watching the walls just in case the fire spread.
According to Lalley, around 100 men and women helped fight the fire.
No injuries have been reported, and officials said occupants in all three buildings self-evacuated.
Below you can watch drone video of the fire.
A spokesperson for Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said the public should avoid the area of Church Street between Delaware Avenue and Washington Street, and the surrounding area between Court Street and West Swan Street near County Hall.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz shut down county buildings and courts due to the fire.
