Video: Enormous Fire Rips Through Newburgh on Easter

Emergency crews are being hailed after a devastating fire destroyed multiple buildings in Newburgh, NY on Easter evening.

The fire, which reportedly started in an abandoned building, quickly spread to occupied apartment buildings, forcing families, some with young children, to escape into the street. Photos (below) show the severity of the disaster.

The massive fire in Newburgh, NY allegedly started in an abandoned building before spreading to nearby structures (Rockland Video Productions)

Four-Alarm Easter Fire in Newburgh, NY

The fire was large enough to be seen from across the Hudson River in Beacon, NY, and took hours to be extinguished by the City of Newburgh Fire Department. The four-alarm blaze also brought support from neighboring fire crews to fight the flames that authorities say left 33 people, including three infants, without a home.

The four-alarm fire in Newburgh, NY left at least 33 people homeless (Rockland Video Productions)

Emergency Response in Newburgh, NY After Easter Fire

The Red Cross was on hand at the City Recreation Center to help families displaced by the fire, the City of Newburgh, NY shared in a press release. Luckily, while several people suffered minor injuries from the fire, no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported.

The four-alarm fire in Newburgh, NY on Easter night was on Lutheran Street near the intersection with Van Ness Street (Rockland Video Productions)

Newburgh, NY Firefighters Facing Challenges at Fire on Lutheran Street

The massive fire held more danger than met the eye, as nearby hydrants were limited in the water they could supply to fight the blaze. Additionally, the extent of the fire wasn't visible from street level, meaning that firefighters didn't know about the flames spreading to adjoining buildings until arrival.

Staffing Questions at the City of Newburgh Fire Department

In recent years, supporters of the City of Newburgh Fire Department have called for better staffing of the firehouse, and coverage of the recent fire only reignited their plea. Many residents called on city counsel members as well as the Mayor of Newburgh to address the issue (below).

The fire department spent nearly 12 hours on the scene of the blaze, and the City of Newburgh also recognized Central Hudson, the Newburgh Water Department, and the City of Newburgh Police Department for their assistance. Check out what else keeps a firefighter's day busy below.