A building fire Thursday in Belmont sent at least three people to the hospital.

Officials and residents say the fire started around 4:30 p.m. on the top floor of 615 East 179th St. Residents in nearby buildings evacuated their homes as a precaution.

Neighbors described seeing an elderly woman who was being helped down the stairs and said her stove caught fire while she was cooking.

At least three people were taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. Their conditions weren't immediately available.

The Red Cross says it's assisting 20 adults and 11 children impacted by the fire.