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Fire in Williamsburg, Brooklyn leaves 4 people hurt, 12 displaced

Fire severely damages 3 buildings in Brooklyn
Fire severely damages 3 buildings in Brooklyn 02:36

NEW YORK -- A fire severely damaged three buildings in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Saturday night, even causing the roofs on two of them to partially collapse.

A dozen people were left displaced after Department of Buildings inspectors issued full vacate orders.

Firefighters battle intense flames

Ferocious flames tore through the top floor of the Graham Avenue buildings, which housed apartments above a pharmacy, restaurants, and a salon.

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Nearly 200 FDNY members responded to a late-night fire on Graham Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Jan. 25, 2025.  CBS News New York

Officials say one resident and three firefighters suffered minor injuries in the fire, which started on the top floor of a three-story mixed-use building and then spread to the two adjacent mixed-use buildings.

"We identify them also as row-frame buildings. They're made of wood and the fire traveled heavily in that common cockloft involving all three buildings and directly through the walls," FDNY Chief Kevin Woods said.

The Red Cross was providing financial help and a temporary place to stay for those impacted. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

"I just heard someone essentially yell 'Get out of the building!'"

"I saw smoke and pretty much just stopped thinking and just ran out of my apartment," resident Paul Triana said.

Triana's guitars were among what was left of his second-floor apartment. He and his sister, Natalie, removed what was salvageable from his home Sunday morning, the first time they returned since Triana ran out at around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"I was reading a book on my couch and I was like ... I just heard someone essentially yell 'Get out of the building!' My smoke alarm went off, I ran outside. This is the first time I have a pair of shoes on in the last 24 hours," said Triana, who left with the highlighter in his hand that he used while reading his book and nothing else.

Also on Sunday morning, Fatma Merchant and her co-worker were seen cleaning up at Adaa Beauty Salon downstairs, which only suffered minor damage in the back.

"Definitely thinking about the neighbors, because we did find out it was in the upstairs apartment and we just wanted to make sure everybody was good," Merchant said.

Beloved pharmacy takes the brunt of the blaze

City Chemist, a pharmacy that is on the ground level below the corner building where the blaze started, suffered significant damage.

"I work there part time, but that's secondary. It's more important that everyone got out safe," employee Ricky Kenig said.

Residents were expressing concern over the pharmacy, which has been a one-stop shop for the community for many years.

"These guys ... they're the pillars in this area," Kenig said.

Nearby residents like Maria Lange showed up to the scene looking for ways to make a donation to help their neighborhood store.

"We were just at a birthday party yesterday and they had their balloons blown up there. Just sad, you know? The little things," Lange said. "Just so sad to see it go. I hope they can rebuild."

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