Blaze, blasts damage Elk St. business site

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Lombardo

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Firefighters spent almost 12 hours at 26 Elk Street Saturday with an early morning fire and multiple explosions.

Around 6:40 a.m. firefighters from the city Fire Department arrived at the three-story brick building to visible smoke and flames, according to department Lieutenant Ron Jablonski. The structure is the site of the former Fownes Brothers Co.

All shifts were called to the scene, with more than two dozen firefighters eventually present.

Jablonski said there were several explosions inside the building. He believed they were caused by fuel and automobiles stored inside. Heavy equipment was used to remove tires from the building that could have posed a threat.

He noted that the building was still standing, but predicted that it would not be usable after the fire. “I think it’s going to be a total loss,” Jablonski said.

There is no indication at this point as to what caused the fire, which is still under investigation. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and returned to the scene.