Arriving fire crews reported heavy fire from the 4-story building. The fire started in the basement and quickly spread to all four floors. As of 12:45 p.m. heavy fire was reported in the basement, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. The first floor of the building housed businesses. There were apartments on all the other floors. As of 12:45 p.m. the fire was still not under control. The 7th alarm was sounded by firefighters at about 1:15 p.m.
An emergency evacuation was called just after noon. No injuries have been reported from the scene and all evacuees from the apartment are being taken to the 35th District Headquarters.
