Buffalo, NY firefighter injured while battling blaze

October 17, 2009

At least one firefighter has been injured while battling a blaze on Buffalo, New York's East side early this morning.

The name, extent of his injuries and his condition are not yet known. According to firefighter radio communications, he has been taken to Erie County Medical Center "for evaluation."

The blaze began in an attic, inside an abandoned 2 1/2 story wooden frame house at 189 Townsend in the city's East side at about 11:15 p.m. (EDT) Friday evening. The fire quickly spread out of control and firefighters focused their attention on protecting the neighboring house, also abandoned. The fire was extinguished at about 3:00 a.m., just over four hours after it started. Firefighters say "the cause is under investigation."

This is the second fire in just over 24 hours to strike the city. Early Friday morning, a fire broke out inside another abandoned home on 133 School Street on the city's West side. Fire traveled to the neighboring occupied house causing extensive damage. Firefighters spent nearly an hour trying to put the fire out. No one was injured. Arson is suspected to be the cause of the blaze.