Greenwich Village Residents And Their Pets Safely Escape Fire

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An extra-alarm fire raged early Wednesday evening on the roof of a Greenwich Village apartment building.

The fire broke out around 5:50 p.m. in the six-story building at 60 E. 9th St. and Broadway, according to the FDNY. The fire was later raised to five alarms.

PHOTOS: Smoke Pours From Greenwich Village Fire

Investigators believe the fire initially started in a downstairs deli, then spread up six floors through a shaft.

Most of the 212 units sustained at least some water damage, but everyone got out safely and several pets were also saved, fire officials said.

"All the apartments below the top floor have significant damage also from water," FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. "The bad news is that many people will have lost their possessions."

A woman, named Michelle, who lives on the third floor, panicked when she couldn't find her 4-year-old dog, Finnigan, CBS2's Jessica Layton reported.

"I'm just so relieved, such a relief. I'm so happy," she said through tears. "I'm so happy and relieved that he's OK. I was worried about the smoke."

Video from the scene showed black smoke billowing from the roof of the building.

The FDNY said five firefighters suffered minor injuries.

"Just insane. I live in the building next door above it, and all of a sudden there was smoke wafting through the windows," neighbor Candice Sonneman told Layton. "Tons of firefighters. My apartment filled with smoke."

"I'm like shaking, can't even breathe at this point," she added.

The scene was near the Astor Place subway station, serving the No. 6 Train, as well as the 8th Street-NYU station serving the R and W trains. Southbound trains were bypassing the 8th Street NYU station.

The fire also caused major traffic delays.

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• John Montone