HOLYOKE — Fire crews are battling a working a large building fire at High and Franklin streets Tuesday morning, and authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area.

Ward 1 City Councilor Jenny Rivera said an emergency management team will assist displaced residents at the Holyoke War Memorial Building.

Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said a warming center for displaced residents and those in need is open at the Holyoke Housing Authority Community Center at 475 Maple St.

He urged people to avoid Jackson, Commercial, High and Franklin streets for the next few hours so emergency crews can work efficiently.

The alert comes hours after a blaze tore through a four-story apartment building at 131 Roberto Clemente St., displacing about 35 families.

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