Flames erupt, spread to nearby homes

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - Some east side Buffalo residents had a rude awakening when they were evacuated from their homes Wednesday morning.

Buffalo's bravest rushed to a vacant house fire on Reed Street early Wednesday morning. The flames were so large they asked people in homes next to the blaze to evacuate, to make sure everyone stayed safe.

Reed Street Resident Dollie Edward said, “This fire was really really bad. The flames were shooting out of the top of the roof and shooting over to the neighbors roof of the house next door. It was really bad.”

Multiple fire crews rushed to 88 Reed Street around 5:30 a.m. Large hot flames filled the vacant home and spread to others, signaling the need for a second alarm.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield said, “It was a lot of fire. This middle structure was fully involved and we had structures all around the initial fire building that we were concerned about.”

Firefighters evacuated six people from a home on each side of the vacant house. One home has extensive damage. Flames ripped through the second floor and attic, leaving an elderly pair with an estimated $60,000 worth of water and smoke damage.

“It spread to the house that we live in,” explained George Tillmon. “Someone woke us up and got us out of there.”

The fire also caused about $10,000 of damages to another home.

Whitfield said, “The structure on the other side. it looks like the radiant heat melted the side.”

Luckily there were no injuries. But the vacant home won't be standing much longer.

“The vacant structure partially collapsed in the rear. I'm sure there will be an emergency demolition,” Whitfield explained.

Fire marshals will be at the scene throughout the day investigating whether the fire was accidental or an arson.