News 12 is learning this week's blizzard made it difficult for firefighters to respond to an apartment building fire in West Babylon.

Video showed flames going through the roof and out of the windows of the Fairfield Suburbia Gardens complex on Great East Neck Road.

Fire officials say they responded around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and couldn't find the fire hydrant.

They say the first hydrant was completely buried in snow and having to find another hydrant delayed their firefighting efforts.

“The hydrant was completely blocked. We ended up committing to one that was closer. However, it just took a little longer to get set up. You start digging then you say give it up find a different water source," said William Allen, West Babylon Fire Chief of Department.

The West Babylon fire chief is urging the public to clear the firefighter hydrants near your home or work.

News 12 is told 3 residents, and a firefighter are hurt but are recovering.

A total of 28 people are displaced.

No official word yet on what started the fire.

The West Babylon chief believes it may have started in the building’s attic. The Town of Babylon fire marshal is investigating.