Five people are without a home Thursday morning after a three-alarm fire in Buffalo's Black Rock neighborhood.
Firefighters were called to Bud's Auto Services, a large storefront located at 586 Tonawanda St. near Hertel Avenue, just after 8 p.m. Heavy smoke was pouring from the auto shop as Engine 26 arrived.
A second alarm was issued, as a mayday was called for a member of Engine 26 who was trapped in an alley by flames. The firefighter escaped safely, as Engine 36 doused the area with water.
A third alarm was called about 8:30 p.m., as the fire spread to the two buildings on either side of the auto shop.
More than 70 firefighters worked to quell the flames in temperatures that dipped into the single digits. They found at least one frozen hydrant nearest to the scene and had to search for others. Departments declared the fire under control in about an hour and a half.
No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting the two displaced adults and three children.