ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — An apartment complex on Alexander Street was heavily damaged following an overnight fire Friday.
According to fire crew members, the incident occurred at a rooming house on 432 Alexander Street. Officials say approximately 20 single-room apartments were affected by the fire.
Several of those rooms sustained heavy damage due to a rapid spread of fire within the structure. Firefighters say escape exits were blocked from the second floor, which could have trapped some residents inside the building.
Investigators believe a vehicle fire near the side entrance of the apartment complex was what caused the fire to spread inside the building.
A nearby resident captured video of the blaze moments before authorities arrived at the scene around 2 a.m. The video shows a parked car engulfed in flames, which later spread in the structure.
Video of the fire
Authorities say some residents were able to self-evacuate, but others required firefighter assistance. An investigation is currently underway to determine how the vehicle fire began.
Location
Check back with News 8 WROC as we will continue to update this developing story.
