by Wanda Hellmund

By Wanda Hellmund

A four-alarm fire destroyed five Hunts Point businesses on Wednesday night along Southern Boulevard in South Bronx. The cause is still under investigation.

Minor injuries were reported, but no one has been hospitalized, according to officials.

Firefighters from the 3rd batallion were called to the scene near Hunts Point Avenue and Southern Boulevard at approximately 9.30 p.m.  “The NYPD called us about heavy smoke in the area,” said FDNY commander Francis Mannion.

Fire officials declared the fire under control at 3 a.m., but it was still smoldering by 10 a.m. Thursday morning, October 29.

All the residents from the neighboring building were evacuated for two hours while the FDNY fought the flames. “The flames were sky-high,” said  local resident Melinda Ramirez, “and for hours it was not getting any better.”

Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the five stores–Boulevard Shoes, Man-Fix Fine Men’s Wear, Ponce De Leon Federal Bank, and Rincon Musical Store –burned to the ground. Golden Dreams Jewelry was impacted heavily with water and smoke damages.

Because of the severity of the fire, most of the buildings are structurally unsound.  “They are probably going to be torn down soon,” said district manager John Robert. The Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Buildings were also on the site to guarantee the safety of the buildings.

Employees from Ponce De Leon Bank were handing out flyers advising their customers to go to other locations in the Bronx until further notice. “It might take a year until we can reopen,” said Albert Rodriguez the branch operation assistant.

Most of the businesses have become part of the community. “That’s my shoe store,” said Josephine Infant, President of Hunts Point Development Corporation, as she passed by on her way work. “And I know the people at the bank. This is devastating!”