Rochester N.Y. city firefighters are at the scene of a 4 alarm fire on the city’s northeast side this afternoon. Heavy smoke covers the area as a paper and cardboard recycling plant complex burns. The fire is at at J C Fibers, 315 Hollenbeck Street.

Many suburban fire companies have been brought to fill in city firehouses. Others are standing by in their quarters.

The Red Cross is assisting many families evacuated from their homes. Streets in the area are closed.

On scene interviews of firefighters indicated that initial interior entry was forced to fall back. The fire is currently being fought from the exterior due to heat and heavy smoke.