NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Eleven people were displaced by a 2-alarm fire at a three-family house at 50 East Main Street in New Rochelle, NY.
The New Rochelle Fire Department responded to a call about 7 p.m. Firefighters were able to knock the fire down quickly. The fire was declared under control at about 9 p.m.
Route 1 was closed in both directions for over two hours
According to witnesses, those in the building self-evacuated after a patron at the Golden Rod restaurant, eating dinner across the street at 55 East Main Street, saw an air conditioner spark and fire spread up the front of the house on the second floor. The flames spread across the second floor and up into the third floor.
The flames shot out of the side of the building towards Chris’ Diagnostic, the Shell station at the corner of Main Street and Emerson Avenue, the route taken by President Obama during his visit to New Rochelle last Friday.
There were unconfirmed reports of two civilian injuries. Two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. They were taken to White Plains Hospital in White Plains, NY.
Mutual aid was provided by Yonkers, Greenville, and Hartsdale.
UPDATE: Habitat for Humanity of Westchester is working to find homes for 11 people. “If people have any empty apartments, they can email relief@habitatwc.org,” said Jim Killorin.