ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A 4-alarm fire rages in a large commercial building on Canal Street near West Main Street in Rochester. The fire has caused part of the building to collapse, and firefighters are working tirelessly to control the flames.

One firefighter was injured, but no one was inside the building when the fire started. The call to the Rochester Fire Department came in around 7:15 p.m.

Due to the risk of collapse, firefighters are tackling the blaze defensively.

Jackie Sierra, public information officer for the Rochester Fire Department, said, “Companies began defensive operations, which means they didn’t make entry because there was a risk of collapse. So fire was in the structural numbers at that point. Companies stayed outside, between handlines and master streams, and they started to put water on it defensively. The fire was upgraded to a fourth alarm because of the amount of fire. So companies are still working on putting the fire out at the moment.”

First responders have evacuated the nearby apartment building as a precaution. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and the extent of the firefighter’s injuries has not been disclosed.

Authorities urge everyone to stay away from the area as police and fire crews continue their efforts.

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