Investigators are working to determine what sparked a six-alarm fire in the Bronx that destroyed a row of stores overnight (Sept. 2).
Flames broke out just after 12:30 a.m. at 4225 White Plains Road in the Wakefield section.
Investigators say the fire apparently started in a record store and then spread to other shops, including a nail salon, sending heavy smoke through the neighborhood.
More than 250 firefighters responded to the scene, and at least a dozen suffered minor injuries -- mostly smoke inhalation. No civilians were hurt.
"The roof started sagging in, indicating that we might have a potential collapse," said FDNY Chief Edward Kilduff. "At that point, we took our firefighters out of the store and commenced an exterior operation."
It took firefighters nearly six hours to contain the blaze and two buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
"I seen that flames coming out the roof, out windows, and black smoke was just shooting out of the gates," said one resident. "And, as soon as they opened the gates, a whole bunch of flames just shot right out."
"It was real smokey. The fire was blazing very high," said another. "It was bad. I actually saw the roof tumble down three hours later."
Subway service in the area was suspended for part of the morning, but has since been restored.
Republished with permission of NY1.
