A fire broke out at a New Rochelle medical office -- and when firefighters arrived they found a broken hydrant.

Flames broke out at the 175 Memorial Highway building near MRI machines and a supply closet full of electrical equipment, authorities say.

"Heavy smoke traveled up to the stairwells," says Deputy Fire Chief John Reed. "The doors were trapped open, so the whole building got charged with smoke."

When firefighters arrived, they tried to use the nearby fire hydrant, but it toppled over.

"We had to secure a second source, causing delays of getting water on the fire," Reed says. 

One person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

"I was very scared," says Danita Herring, one of dozens of workers who escaped the fire.