Large fire burns through almost a dozen businesses in Williamsbridge, Bronx

A large fire in the Bronx destroyed numerous businesses overnight as dozens of first responders rushed to get the flames under control. 

The blaze broke out just before midnight Friday at a strip mall at 1234 East Gun Hill Road in the Williamsbridge section.

It grew into a massive four-alarm response, engulfing a row of businesses. Flames spread through the cockloft, which is the space between the roof and the ceiling.

Glass and debris are scattered across the sidewalk along the road where the fire burned through the buildings. Officials said 11 stores were affected, including a deli, cleaners and a discount store.

Losing "a staple of the community"

One salon owner named Nisha Michilin said her business, which was destroyed, was her dream.

"Over three years I've had this alone. It was a dream of mine, you know, it's been a long-time dream, and it's been my income," she said.

Michilin said she first opened her business in the Bronx neighborhood during the COVID pandemic. 

"This is a staple of the community. Everybody is out here trying to figure out what's the next move, if it's savable, if we're gonna rebuild," she said. 

Dawn Betancourt, the manager of Colwell's Driving School, said the business has been in the Bronx for 65 years. 

"I really don't know what happened. It's heartbreaking, and as long as nobody got hurt," she said. "It's gonna be very difficult. We have a lot of instructors and a lot of students."

More than 200 emergency personnel respond

In total, 74 FDNY units and more than 230 first responders were at the scene. Officials said one firefighter had minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.

The fire was brought under control just before 2:30 a.m., almost three hours after it started. 

Department of Buildings officials issued a vacate order for the entire structure. Fire marshals are working to determine what caused the fire.