A few hours ago a big fire broke out in M… See more

As panic spread, vendors abandoned their stalls, traffic ground to a halt, and a towering column of dark smoke became visible from miles away. Firefighters from multiple stations rushed to the scene, but the fire expanded rapidly due to the age of the buildings and the abundance of dry timber. The flames soon spread to neighboring structures, including the Montague Furniture Depot, where stacks of wooden materials fueled the growing inferno. A partial roof collapse sent a thunderous sound through the district as emergency crews battled worsening conditions.

Nearby residents were ordered to evacuate as the intense heat threatened surrounding buildings. Emergency workers assisted elderly tenants from Mariner Heights, a residential tower dangerously close to the fire. By 4:15 p.m., more than one hundred firefighters were engaged in a difficult fight against shifting winds and unpredictable flames. Thick smoke reduced visibility, while collapsing beams and damaged electrical lines created dangerous obstacles inside the burning structures.