Explosion Knocks Over Firefighters Battling Massive Buffalo Fire

An explosion during a fire knocked over fire crews battling the flames in Buffalo, New York, on Wednesday.

The four-alarm fire broke out on the 700 block of Main Street, the city's theater district, at around 10:40 a.m., according to emergency officials. Forty pieces of equipment were used to fight the blaze, a city spokesperson told local TV station WKBW, adding that there was a partial collapse of the building.

Large clouds of smoke were seen billowing from the top of the building. Ash was reportedly floating above the downtown area as the building burned.

Video of the flames shows an explosion that threw building debris down where crews were working, knocking at least one firefighter to the ground.

One firefighter was reported missing after the fire broke out. He was reportedly inside the building, and hours later he was found dead, at around 2 p.m.

"Unfortunately he did not survive the collapse of the structure," Buffalo Fire Department Engine 4 announced in a Facebook post.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said it was a "heartbreaking day" for his city.

"Early this morning, a 37-year-old Buffalo firefighter showed his bravery and commitment to fire service by putting on his uniform and carrying out his sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of this city," he told Newsweek in a statement.

"Today, he lost his life protecting others. I share my deepest sympathies with everyone who knew and loved him. I ask all city residents to keep his family, and the entire Buffalo Fire Department, in your prayers during this difficult time," Brown said.

The mayor said he had directed all city flags to fly at half-staff beginning at 3:30 p.m. to honor the memory of the deceased firefighter.

Local officials shared their condolences, including Representative Brian Higgins, who represents New York's 26th Congressional District, which includes parts of Erie and Niagara counties.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but noted that the building, which he identified as a theatrical costumes shop, was undergoing renovations at the time the fire broke out.

"Quickly thereafter there was a Mayday call," he told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon. "There was a structural collapse, an interior collapse. Firefighters had to evacuate."

Renaldo said he believed the fire likely began before fire crews were called, adding that renovation crew members were waiting outside of the building when firefighters arrived.

He also said there were reports that workers were seen with torches near the building.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and residents are being advised to stay away from the area.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her team was in communication with local emergency officials as crews worked to put out the fire.

Update, 3/1/2023, 4:05 p.m. ET: This story was updated with a statement from Mayor Byron Brown.