UPDATE: Information from the Elmira Fire Department has been added.

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – An Elmira home was in flames this afternoon after a possible explosion.

On Aug. 30, around 1:31 p.m., Elmira Fire Department and West Elmira Fire Department were called to respond to a multi-unit apartment house with heavy fire coming from the rear first and second floors on West Gray Street. A witness told an 18 NEWS reporter that they heard a possible explosion.

Crews entered the building and were able to bring the bulk of the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. Crews remained on scene extinguishing the hot spots in the attic until approximately 4:30 p.m. Some occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to exit the home safely. The house sustained significant fire, smoke and water damage.

According to the fire department, the fire was the result of a possible house explosion and is under investigation at this time by N.Y. State Fire, Elmira Fire and Elmira Police Department Investigation Crews.

The Elmira Fire Department was assisted by the West Elmira Fire Department, Elmira Police and Erway Ambulance.