ABC7 News is reporting eleven firefighters and three residents were injured in the blaze that broke out around 2am this morning at 188 First Ave., between 11th and 12th streets in the East Village. The fire broke out on the first floor of the five-story tenement and spread to a section of the rear of the building, which partially collapsed and could not be safely accessed by firefighters.
The building was evacuated while as many as 200 firefighters were on the scene, working until dawn to get it under control. East 7th to East 14th streets are closed between Ave. A and 2nd Ave.
Schools close to the fire, including East Side Community High School and P.S. 19, are closed and students are being redirected to other nearby schools.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
EV Grieve has more photos and information, with continuing coverage here.
