Firefighters Battle “Devastating” 5-Alarm Fire in Bronx

A 5-alarm fire that started in a detached garage in the Bronx Thursday morning quickly spread to adjacent businesses, disrupting nearby transit and spewing thick smoke into the air that could be seen for miles.

The fire broke out at 6:15 a.m. on White Plains Road in Wakefield and escalated to a fifth alarm by 7:30 a.m. Intense flames leaped from the building and billowing smoke was visible as far away as Westchester County. Nearby schools were urged to close windows to shield children from the smoke.

It took firefighters nearly six hours to get the blaze under control.

Fire officials say they don't know what was inside the garage. Authorities said the construction of the building has made it difficult to douse the flames.

Councilman Andy King, a Democrat who represents the 12th district, told NBC 4 New York multiple neighborhood shops were destroyed. He said the impact on the community would be "devastating."

One pedestrian was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation; no other injuries were reported.

The MTA said the Nos. 2 and 5 subways were bypassing the 225th Street stop.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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