A fast-moving fire in downtown White Plains decimated a row of businesses Wednesday afternoon and into the night.
The lost businesses include Star Cleaners, Com Fit Shoes and restaurants Bengal Tiger and Latin American Café.
The East Post Road fire also rounded onto Court Street, where half a block was gutted.
Witnesses reported the fire started at Bengal Tiger at 140 E. Post Road, but that account was not confirmed by the fire department on the scene Thursday. As many as 25 firefighters were treated for heat-related problems that included exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Wednesday”™s temperature was in the 90s.
The fire took nine hours to bring under control, although there was still smoke 20 hours after it began. “We saw the firefighters going in and then we saw them crawling out,” said Carmen Jaquez, who works at Devachan Salon, across the street from the fire. “It got pretty hot in there. We gave them towels soaked in water to try to keep them cool.”
“We plan on doing something,” said Devachan employee Michelle DeMartino. “Maybe a fundraiser to help these businesses.” The salon workers-turned-fire-supporters are pictured in front of their store among these photos.
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