ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Rochester fire investigators are still trying to determine why an audible smoke alarm did not sound inside the Buckingham Commons building as flames were shooting from the roof this weekend.
Rochester Fire Captain, Ted Kuppinger said a Rochester firefighter pulled the alarm at the Allen Street building. That alarm notified 911 but could not be heard inside the building.
Firefighters went door-to-door to warn residents and evacuate all 36 apartments. They said the top floor was never on fire Sunday morning, just the roof. However, some of the burning roof caved into some of the center units causing severe damage.
About 40 residents are being put up in alternative housing by Buckingham Properties.