2-Alarm Mount Vernon Fire Spread To A 2nd House: Video

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Firefighters continued to battle a stubborn house fire and building collapse in Mount Vernon throughout the afternoon.

The blaze near Sanford Blvd. and South 7th Ave. was first reported shortly before noon on Monday. The fire then spread to a second building. There are reports that at least one of the buildings involved partially collapsed.

Fire crews from New Rochelle, Pelham and Yonkers were called in to help control the monstrous blaze.

The building where the fire initially started was not occupied, but the abandoned structure was known to be used by the homeless, especially to provide shelter during colder winter months. There is no word yet on the cause of the fire.

No serious injuries were reported.

"Because the building had been previously condemned by our buildings department, we received reports of issues with the floor and ceiling," Mount Vernon fire Chief Kim Odindo told New York City ABC News-affiliate WABC. "So these things are already compromised, things that we needed to gain access and entry into the building."

Unfortunately, the second building involved in the two-building fire was not unoccupied.

"Everything is just gone,"Patrick Sanders, who lived in the now gutted building told the television station. "I don't know what I am going to do tonight. I don't have no place to stay."

Thick smoke continued to cover surrounding streets as far a half mile away throughout the early afternoon. Fire officials urged motorists to avoid the area.