Four people were displaced after a two-alarm fire tore through a two-story building next to a gas station in Bay Ridge on Saturday afternoon, officials said.
The fire broke out around 1 p.m. inside a ground-floor deli, according to fire officials at the scene. Flames damaged the store and several apartments above it, forcing residents to evacuate.
FDNY officials said they believe the fire began in the back of the deli.
The building sits just steps from a nearby gas station, raising concerns for residents and crews. Firefighters were able to knock down the flames before they spread to the station.
People in the area told News 12 they smelled gas before seeing smoke, but initially thought it was coming from the gas station.
“I smelled the smoke, I smelled the gas. Then I saw the smoke coming out from right there. I ran out in the hallway,” one witness said.
Apartments above the store showed visible fire and smoke damage, including broken glass and water-soaked floors.
Officials say that no one was hurt in the fire.
FDNY and Department of Buildings crews remained on scene into the evening, inspecting the structure. Officials said they are assessing whether the building is at risk of collapse.
National Grid crews were also at the site drilling into the ground to check gas lines as a precaution.
It is not yet known what caused the blaze.