Agencies consider next steps for Sunset Park building affected by 6-alarm fire

Agencies including the Red Cross and NYU Winthrop held a meeting Friday to discuss the next steps for a Sunset Park building torched by a six-alarm fire.
Workers were seen boarding up the building on 44th Street while Department of Buildings staff assessed the situation inside. Officials say they are trying to avoid demolition at all costs.
The fire was first reported around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The roof collapsed inside and the sixth floor of the building was left in ruins. The floors underneath suffered significant fire and water damage.
High winds caused the fire to spread rapidly to another part of the building, and caused pockets of fire to flare up overnight. Its cause is not yet known.
Officials told News 12 that there were more than 50 families living in the building – many of them immigrants with children and senior citizens.
Fire officials say 23 people were injured, including 19 firefighters. They add that a door being closed helped contain the fire and prevent further damage and injuries.
The Sunset Park Business Improvement District has set up a GoFundMe that has collected over $63,000 for those affected.