NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A massive industrial fire in New Haven Wednesday morning escalated to the city's first four-alarm fire in 29 years.
Crews are still working to clear all the hot spots out of the building on River Street as of Wednesday evening.
Two people inside made it out safely and no one was seriously injured. Officials said it is currently unclear why they were inside and that more information will be released during the investigation.
The fire is at an "industrial building" with a lot of "dry storage," New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker told FOX61. Many businesses, including some non-profits and a mechanic shop, are part of the building and it's not clear how many businesses have been affected, officials said.
Over 100 firefighters were at the scene, according to Elicker, including from New Haven and dozens of others from neighboring cities and towns.
New Haven Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin said first responders attacked the flames from the outside at first, with parts of the building collapsing and several explosions going off inside.
The West Haven Fire Department, along with units from Hamden and North Haven, is assisting and is asking people to avoid the area. Ferry Street and roads surrounding River Street are closed at this time.
New Haven Fire Chief John Alston said in an update Wednesday night that the crews' response is expected to continue overnight as several hotspots continue flaring up around the demolition operation.
This is a developing story. FOX61 has a crew on the scene and will update this story as more information comes in.
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