Updated 07/08/2010 09:58 PM
Large Fire Damages East Village Building
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Several city firefighters suffered minor injuries Thursday while fighting a four-alarm fire on the roof of a building in the East Village.
New York City Fire Department officials say the fire at 240 East Houston Street, near Avenue A, began shortly after 5:30 p.m. and that more than 150 firefighters from 33 units were called to the scene.
Eight firefighters received minor injuries.
FDNY officials say the firefighters knocked down the flames inside the building within 40 minutes.
Black smoke rising from the fire could be seen throughout much of Lower Manhattan.
One witness, Josh Spear, told NY1 he saw the fire from his window at Houston and Ludlow Streets. While Spear saw firefighters climb ladders and bust in windows, he saw no rescues and only saw residents leave through the front door.
Fire officials said the building was unoccupied, despite being used for commercial and residential purposes.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Due to ongoing activity in the area, East Houston Street is closed from Christie Street to Norfolk Street. Essex Street is also closed from Delancy Street to Second Avenue.
The M9, M14 and M21 buses are also being rerouted.