Buffalo, NY – May 2, 2025 — A towering inferno disrupted downtown Buffalo on Thursday afternoon when a massive fire engulfed the Paul William Beltz law firm building on Church Street. What started as a normal day quickly turned chaotic as smoke filled the skies and sirens echoed across the city.
🚨 A Quiet Afternoon Turns into an Emergency
At approximately 12:17 p.m., emergency dispatchers received reports of smoke rising from the iconic building at 36 Church Street. By the time Buffalo Fire Department units arrived on the scene, flames had already begun to tear through the structure’s second floor — reportedly starting in a kitchen area.
Within minutes, the incident was escalated to a four-alarm fire, drawing over 100 firefighters from across the city. The law office, known for its decades of legal service, soon became the center of a major firefighting operation.
🔥 “It Was Like a War Zone” — Eyewitness Reactions
Local business owners and pedestrians nearby described the scene as “unreal” and “terrifying.” Smoke could be seen from several blocks away as crews worked tirelessly to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings.
“The smoke was so thick, it was hard to breathe. We were evacuated quickly. I’ve never seen anything like this downtown,” said Jessica R., who works in a nearby office tower.
🚒 Firefighters Battle Harsh Conditions
Despite their rapid response, crews were faced with challenging conditions. Officials say the building — constructed in 1965 — was not equipped with a modern sprinkler system, allowing flames to spread rapidly through combustible materials like documents, paper files, and wooden interiors.
As structural integrity weakened, firefighters were pulled from the building and switched to an external attack, using aerial ladders and hoses to pour water from above.
⏱️ Timeline of the Fire:
- 12:17 p.m. – First call received; fire breaks out on 2nd floor
- 12:45 p.m. – Fire upgraded to 4-alarm; building evacuated
- 2:00 p.m. – Exterior operations begin as interior becomes unsafe
- 4:00 p.m. – Fire finally declared under control
🏛️ Government Offices Closed, Streets Blocked
Due to the fire’s size and location, authorities closed nearby buildings including:
- The Rath Building
- Old County Hall
- Family Court
- 50 Delaware
- Lincoln Building
Employees were released early for safety, and the public was urged to avoid Church Street, especially between Delaware Avenue and Pearl Street, for the remainder of the day.
🧯 No Injuries, but Damage Extensive
Miraculously, no injuries were reported. However, early assessments indicate significant fire, smoke, and water damage throughout the law office. It remains unclear whether any legal records were destroyed, and the law firm has yet to release a public statement.
Buffalo Fire Commissioner Barbara Greenwood praised the firefighters for their quick response and coordination under extreme pressure.
“This could have been much worse. Our team worked efficiently to protect lives and neighboring structures. We’re grateful there were no casualties,” she said at a press conference.
🔍 What’s Next? Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office. While early signs point to the kitchen as the source, officials are examining electrical components, appliances, and fire load factors to determine exactly what went wrong.
Crews will remain on-site for overhaul operations, checking for hot spots and ensuring the building is safe for inspectors and engineers.
💬 Community Speaks
Local residents have taken to social media to express both concern and support for the fire crews.
“Thank you to the brave firefighters risking their lives today. We take them for granted until moments like this,” wrote one Twitter user.
🔚 Final Word
The Church Street fire is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change — and how vital emergency response teams are to urban safety. As the city assesses the aftermath, attention will now turn to recovery, rebuilding, and ensuring such events are less likely in the future.
Stay tuned to [Focus Global News] for ongoing updates, safety advisories, and official statements.
