The Van Nest community is now recovering after a five-alarm fire destroyed several homes and businesses Saturday.

Gates now block the wreckage, with piles of debris covering the sidewalk in front of the impacted auto body shop. Bricks and charred car parts are scattered across the area.

The Red Cross says 16 people were left homeless.

Four firefighters suffered minor injuries, according to the FDNY.

Fire officials say the fire began around 11:30 a.m. and took several hours to fully extinguish.

A neighboring business owner told News 12 they saw the flames firsthand.