Fire on Essex Street

As we speak firefighters are gearing up outside 143 Essex Street. A ton of fire trucks and first responders are on scene. More details and pictures to follow…

UPDATE: according to a bystander, the fire occured about 9:45 at the top floor of the tenement building. Some of the trucks are now leaving, but a few squads are hanging back a a precautionary measure. The smell of smoke is still in the air.

UPDATE 11:01 – we are now learning from residents in the affected building (143 Essex Street) that the fire actually started in the basement and was spreading up the shaft between buildings. It took some time to locate, but the fire is extinguished. Inspectors are making sure the building is safe for re-entry.

UPDATE 11:21 – more trucks are starting to leave.