Major fire breaks out in Bronx apartment building, injuring 2 firefighters and damaging several units
The New York City Fire Department designated this incident as a 4-alarm fire, involving a total of 39 units and 168 fire and EMS personnel.
Firefighters in the Bronx rushed to control a blaze that erupted in an apartment building.
Around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the fire ignited at 3030 Heath Avenue, according to the New York City Fire Department.
The firefighters arrived in less than four minutes, and upon arrival, they encountered severe flames on the top floor and in the cockloft, which is the area above the ceiling of the top floor and below the roof. Flames were also visible coming through the roof, as per the department’s report.
“Our engine crews entered the building aggressively, deploying multiple hoses to attack the fire on the top floor and the roof,” the department stated.
Firefighters suffer minor injuries while units sustain significant damage
The rescue team had to slice open the roof to undertake the rescue operations, the department noted.
By 8:08 p.m., the fire was brought under control, confirmed a spokesperson from the fire department on Thursday morning to YSL News. Fire Marshals are currently looking into the cause of the fire.
Fortunately, no residents were harmed, though fire officials indicated that six to eight units experienced “extensive damage.” Two firefighters sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The New York City Fire Department rated this as a 4-alarm fire, summoning a total of 39 units and 168 fire and EMS personnel.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance to relocate affected residents.
Another Bronx apartment fire occurred last week
This incident comes nearly a week after a different fire in the Bronx resulted in injuries to more than seven people, including firefighters.
Around 1:45 a.m. on Friday, someone alerted the New York Fire Department regarding another fire. This situation was classified as a 5-alarm fire, prompting firefighters to search for and rescue individuals trapped inside.
The fire was deemed “extremely hazardous” for firefighters, leading officials to instruct them to attack the flames from outside the building.
A large number of firefighters responded to the scene, as officials noted that strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
According to the department, every apartment on the top floor of that building was completely destroyed, and the fire burned through the rooftop.
Saleen Martin is a reporter hailing from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. You can follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin.
