Two firefighters die battling fire

Lieutenant Charles "Chip" McCarthy, 45, and Jonathan Croom,34, died Monday fighting a three-alarm fire on Buffalo's east side, Monday morning.

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the fire at 1815 Genesee St. near Bailey Avenue that began around 4 a.m. Monday morning.

Initial reports were that someone was trapped inside, and a witness told News 4 that he heard someone crying for help from the East side deli.  Reports continue that the main floor collapsed from under the two firefighters, who rushed in and they became trapped in the building for hours.  Their firefighting equipment only holds 30 minutes of air.

It's been over 12 years since the last time a Buffalo firefighter lost their life fighting a fire.  Buffalo Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo says it is a “sad day.”  Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson is also on the scene.

A cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo held a press conference at Noon at Erie County Medical Center.  You can watch the entire press conference here .