Thu May 01 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Four-Alarm Fire Engulfs Downtown Buffalo Building; No Injuries Reported
**BUFFALO, NY** – A massive four-alarm fire broke out at 36 Church Street in downtown Buffalo Thursday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response and temporary closures of nearby buildings. The fire, which began around 12:30 p.m., quickly escalated to engulf the second, third, and roof of the building.
Buffalo Fire Department Battalion Chief Patrick Lalley reported that firefighters initially battled the blaze from inside the building but were forced to withdraw due to rapidly deteriorating conditions. At 1:04 p.m., the fire reached four alarms, bringing approximately 100 firefighters to the scene. The fire was declared under control around 4 p.m., with crews remaining to monitor hot spots and conduct overhaul operations.
While the fire significantly damaged 36 Church Street, located between the Guaranty and Verizon buildings, Chief Lalley confirmed that both neighboring structures were successfully protected and sustained no damage thanks to the presence of fire crews inside. All occupants of the three buildings self-evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported.
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon’s office urged the public to avoid the area of Church Street between Delaware Avenue and Washington Street, and the surrounding area between Court Street and West Swan Street. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz closed county buildings and courts as a precautionary measure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
First Piper 