UPDATED: Port Chester Fire Leaves More Than 20 Homeless

More than 20 people were left homeless after a fire ripped through an Oak Street building early Monday morning.

The Port Chester Fire Department responded to 142 Oak St. at 2:45 a.m. and arrived to find a working fire in the structure's basement, Chief Kevin McFadden said.

The department gathered about 40 firefighters and used five engines to fight the blaze, bringing it under control quickly after making sure the building was clear. No one was injured in the fire, and firefighters cleared the scene at 4:50 a.m.

The fire began in the basement, but investigators are still looking into how it started. The fire does not appear suspicious, McFadden said.

Port Chester's Building Department and Department of Code Enforcement were notified. Check back with Port Chester Patch for updates and information on the property from those agencies.

The Village of Mamaroneck and City of Rye fire departments provided standby coverage at Port Chester fire headquarters during the duration of the call.

McFadden credited Port Chester firefighters for bringing the situation under control with "a quick attack and knockdown" of the fire. Temporary shelters were made available to the fire victims, but all victims had made arrangements to stay with family or friends as of Monday morning.

Update, 12:06 p.m.: Code Enforcement Director Christopher Steers says he's preparing a report on the property for the Board of Trustees. Check back later for details.

Follow Port Chester Patch!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PortChesterPatch

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PChesterPatch