Stubborn fire guts deli, 5 other popular mom-and-pop businesses in Bronx
KINGSBRIDGE, The Bronx (WABC) -- One person was injured when a large, stubborn fire burned through several businesses in the Bronx.
Officials say the five-alarm blaze appears to have started at the Cold Cut City Bunny Deli at around 3:30 a.m. Witnesses in the area say they believe the fire started in the kitchen at the back of the deli.
Authorities say about five other mom-and-pop stores around West 231st Street have sustained fire or water damage.
It appears a local barber shop, seafood market, meat market, florist, and cleaning business have been affected.
For this neighborhood, the loss is about more than money and four walls. It'll take the entire community to fix this.
"There are certain institutions here that have been here for a really long time and it's just sad to see them go," said one resident.
"The Kingsbridge community 231st Street is the center of so many people's lives, and the businesses being destroyed is devastating," said NYC Council member Eric Dinowitz.
The FDNY received reports of smoke across Kingsbridge and Riverdale from the fire. Officials say the injured civilian, who was in the dwellings at the back of the stores, likely suffered from smoke inhalation.
"I saw a lot of firefighters and I woke up to the smoke. I got surprised because things like this don't happen in the neighborhood. These businesses have been around for over 30 years and stuff like that. These people are nice people," one eyewitness, Miguel Perez, said.
It took 200 FDNY personnel to get it under control.
No one was seriously hurt.
Fire officials are still trying to determine what sparked the blaze.
"There are multiple ceilings in a lot of these stores and occupancies," said FDNY Asst. Chief Tom Curao. "Multiple ceilings have been put up over time. It takes a lot of time to get at the fire and knock it down."
All 1 trains temporarily bypassed 231st Street and 238th Street in both directions as the FDNY responded to the fire.
One witness says a party with live musicians took place in the deli Tuesday evening, and that they hope the festivities did not trigger the blaze.
The deli had been there for at least 30 years.
In addition to the financial and emotional loss from the damage, some of the business owners had just finished pouring more of their heart and soul into the affected shops.
Community members have started a GoFundMe page for these businesses.
ALSO READ | Victims want Bronx building owner held accountable after collapse
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
