Fire officials say the multimillion dollar Bedford Hills estate of billionaire Leon Black was destroyed after it went up in flames.

The 11,000 square-foot structure was still smoldering Thursday a day after a blaze engulfed it. According to fire officials, the hotspots on the estate have been contained, but were difficult to control.

Many people who saw the fire say they didn't know exactly what to make of the chaos, as dozens of fire trucks sped to the estate. "We saw a lot of black smoke," says John Appedu, of Mount Kisco. "We all went over there and didn't know what it was."

Officials say moving debris could interfere with an ongoing investigation into the fire.

To watch Chopper 12 footage of the fire at the Bedford Hills mansion, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Fire rips through Bedford Hills mansion