Early Morning, 5-Alarm Building Fire Displaces More Than 100 Families

MOUNT VERNON, NY — More than 100 Westchester County families have been displaced by an early morning, five-alarm fire.

"We've been here since 2:30 this morning," Mount Vernon Fire Commissioner Kevin Holt said in a video statement posted from the scene. "We have all hands on deck, multiple agencies from around Westchester County are assisting us. This fire started as a kitchen fire and it got into the cockloft of the building, and spread throughout the whole building."

The fire on Cottage Avenue was brought under control, as of 1:56 p.m. A herculean effort to support those who lost their homes continues.

Two residents and five firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

"Right now we're asking for everyone to have hands on deck," Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard said. "We've had 100 families that have been displaced. So, I want to say thank you so much to the businesses, Sugar Bowl, McDonald's, Mangoville — quite a few of our businesses and restaurants are providing food right now for our families who are displaced, and taking care of them. Thank you to the Red Cross, Office of Emergency Management, the police department and the fire department for working together to give support to the families."

The Doles Center in Mount Vernon has become an ad hoc staging area for supporting those displacd.

"Donations being accepted at the Doles Center here," Mount Vernon Councilmember Cathlin Gleason said in a social media post. "Winter clothes, coats, toiletries, new undergarments. Please also think about our firefighters and police who have been out all night and our city administration. Red Cross and Office of Emergency Management coordinating efforts. Pray for all the families displaced."