Investigators believe a serial arsonist was at work again over the weekend on Buffalo's East side. This time, News 4's Jodi Hovenden reports firefighters had a close call when the roof collapsed on a burning vacant house.
The vacant house at 109 Playter Street has been demolished. It's the scene of the city's latest arson fire that quickly spread destoying the vacant house behind it.
While Buffalo fire fighters have battled more than 200 arsons this year, this one was different.
Buffalo Fire Department Lt. Shannon Street said, "When it initally happened, you hear the noise. You hear the crash. We were outside. Everyone was scrambling to get out of the way. You see the wall bowing out. You think it is coming at you."
Lt. Shannon Street was there early Sunday morning when the roof of the house collapsed. The fire was out but several firefighters were still inside.
"We looked up and saw two guys coming out and I asked if there was anyone else inside. They had a dazed look. I just said let's go. We went inside. I seen the reflector of one of the guys that was buried and we lifted roof off of them."
While the firefighters injuries are not life threatening, with so many fire officials feared it was only a matter of time before someone was hurt.
Last week, the department released a composite sketch of one arson suspect and while they don't know if he is linked to this fire, they're again appealing to the public for help, hoping residents will call in with any leads Buffalo Fire Department.
Dep. Comm. Michael D'Orazio said, "Our worst fears were nearly realized the other night. Firefighters were injured because an arsonist chose to burn vacant building."
