3 firefighters injured in New Haven deli fire - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Three firefighters were transported to the hospital after a fire at a popular deli in New Haven on Friday morning. 

The two-alarm fire was reported at the B&M Deli in the 600 block of Ferry Street around 11 a.m. 

"It's been here for ages and years," said James Osmond, a deli customer. "Bobby's makes the best subs around. Steak and cheese is where it's at here. I've been coming here for almost like 45 years. My family, everyone comes here, firefighters come here." 

Dozens of firefighters were called to help in the fight.

The unidentified firefighters were rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, authorities said. One had to be taken away on a stretcher. They're all expected to be ok.

Next to the famous eatery is a package store.

Fire Chief John Alston told Eyewitness News that everyone in both businesses was able to safely escape.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The chief said officials are looking to increase the safety for firefighters with a new radio system that launched on Friday.

"It allows all of the firefighters in the building to communicate in real time with each other," said Mayor Toni Harp.

Alston said they will allow for clearer communications.

The department said it has 95 new radios, a $500,000 investment that was mostly paid for with a fire service grant.

"It will absolutely make it safer for our firefighters as well as ultimately save lives in our city," Harp said.

While neighbors said they were saddened to see the char on their beloved deli, they're still counting their blessings.

"I'm hurt for him," Osmond said. "I'm hurt. But he'll be able to get it. This is what he does. Best steak and cheese around."

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