Firefighters battled flames and bone-chilling cold Tuesday at a two-alarm Greenpoint blaze with an elderly woman inside.

Firefighters arrived at the Eckford Street fire about 7 a.m. and soon discovered the nearest hydrant was frozen. They also had problems with equipment freezing up. However, they were able to use another hydrant to extinguish the fast-moving fire, which started in the basement of the two-story home. Firefighters took shelter in a heated van provided by the American Red Cross.

Officials say the elderly homeowner escaped unharmed, but is very shaken up. The home was completely destroyed and nearby buildings sustained roof damage. Neighbors were able to salvage some of the woman's belongings from the rubble. The cause of the fire is under investigation.