A significant fire erupted early Monday morning in a Bronx apartment building, leaving three individuals injured, including two firefighters. The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Findlay Avenue, originating in a local deli.
Details of the Blaze
The flames rapidly escalated, affecting several upper floors of the building and grazing the adjacent structure. The quick response by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) was hindered by improperly parked vehicles obstructing hydrants.
Response Delays
Fire trucks reached the scene within four minutes. However, FDNY Chief John Esposito reported that the presence of three vehicles parked on different hydrants caused delays. “We had a little bit of an ice condition but the biggest issue was those blocked fire hydrants,” he explained. Ultimately, it took about four hours to bring the blaze under control.
Injuries and Evacuations
- Injuries reported:
- One civilian
- Two firefighters
- Number of first responders deployed: Over 250
- Evacuations were successfully conducted, with no fatalities reported.
In the aftermath, Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended the first responders for their swift actions that protected lives. “Thanks to the over 250 first responders, the building was evacuated without loss of life,” he stated in a message on X.
Investigations and Assistance for Displaced Residents
An investigation into the fire’s cause is currently underway. Displaced residents are being assisted by the Red Cross and have been directed to a reception center at the William Howard Taft school building.
This incident highlights the critical impact of illegally parked cars on emergency response times, underscoring the need for public awareness regarding parking regulations, especially near fire hydrants.
