BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A wind-driven three-alarm fire damaged seven structures in the area of Urban Street and Fougeron Street around 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
Fire crews said three structures were fully engulfed upon arrival — a carriage house located behind 77 Urban Street, a residential structure at 78 Fougeron Street and a garage located behind 81 Urban Street.
The high winds caused embers to trigger fires involving four additional structures nearby.
"I haven't seen a fire wind-driven like this in quite a long time," Fire Chief Jerry Nostrant said. "The embers caught three houses on Urban and another house across the street about 10 houses down."
According to fire officials, the damage is estimated in total at $550,000 including $200,000 in damage to 77 Urban Street and $160,000 in damage to 78 Fougeron.
Buffalo Resident Tim Shaw owns one of the buildings and his family was six months into a renovation. His primary property was not severely damaged and he's grateful to his neighbors for alerting them.
"I know we would've been okay," Shaw said. "Just happy you got neighbors that call you when something like this happens."
Fire officials said two firefighters were taken to ECMC to be treated for various injuries.
The Red Cross is assisting four adults and two children.
The investigation is ongoing.
