NEVADA – Reno Fire Department officials closed off sections of 4th Street and Wells Avenue to manage the fire.

Battalion Chief Roger Mooney says crews have stopped active fire fighting and are waiting on the heavy construction equipment to arrive to knock down certain walls.

Officials are concerned about the building’s instability and want to ensure the safety of rescue teams during the search.

Sparks Fire crews assist on the scene with 44 responders and 18 units, including medical and support.

Crews fought the fire defensively and contained it to the building where it started.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with reports suggesting that several homeless people had come out of the building when the fire broke out. No firefighters have been hurt, and responders are still determining civilian injuries.

The Wells Bridge is closed in both directions, and 4th Street is closed from Morrill to Eureka.

The Reno Fire Department urges people to avoid the area until the scene is cleared, which could take 4 to 6 hours.

Credits: KOLOTV

Copyright 2022 775 Times, NV Globe. All rights reserved.