Closed psych center up in flames

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo's bravest want to know what caused a boarded-up psychiatric center to go up in flames over night.

Firefighters rushed to the Richardson Complex on Forest Avenue just after 3 a.m. on Saturday.

Rescue crews said they immediately called a second alarm when they saw flames shooting out of a second-story window.

The complex has been shut down since the early 1970's, which caused some tense moments for firefighters.

Buffalo Fire Division Chief, Jack Hess explained, "It was the last property I wanted to have on fire because we haven't been in here for years. You don't know what the condition of the buildings are."

He also stated, "Even while the fire was free burning, some of the masonry on the outside collapsed right near some firefighters that were busy on the outside."

Chief Hess said that some firefighters narrowly missed getting hit by a collapsing ceiling while inside.

Luckily no one was injured.

Damage is estimated at $200,000

The Richardson Center Corporation released a statement saying, "We are saddened by the building damage but are glad no one was hurt. Work to seal up the building will take place and we will continue to advance the first phase of development."