Five-alarm fire tears through Bronx apartment building, injuring seven
Five-alarm fire rages through Williamsbridge neighborhood
An overnight five-alarm fire at 2910 Wallace Avenue in the Williamsbridge neighborhood left five firefighters and two residents with non-life-threatening injuries. The blaze came less than a day after the Bronx memorialized 17 lives lost to the January 9, 2022 Twin Parks fire.
Fire spreads across top floor of six-story building
FDNY was called to the scene around 1:45 a.m., where the massive fire had taken over the space between the underside of the roof and ceiling of the building’s top floor, called the cockloft, said Fire Chief John Esposito in a mayor’s press conference around 9 a.m.
The fire spanned the entire length and width of the building, which is about 200 feet wide and 100 feet deep, and destroyed all top-floor apartments while burning through the roof, he said.
Firefighters face “extremely dangerous” conditions
Both the size of the blaze and windy conditions made it “extremely dangerous” for the 250 FDNY personnel at the scene, said Esposito.
“That’s a miracle” that no fatalities occurred, said Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. “This was a very, very large fire.”
Displaced families receive aid
Zach Iscol, Commissioner for NYC Emergency Management, said several agencies began working overnight to take care of the numerous families displaced by the fire. The MTA deployed temporary warming buses, and P.S. 76 The Bennington School (900 Adee Avenue) opened as a reception center for those displaced. The Red Cross has registered 66 families, approximately 180 people, he said.
Community responds to tragedy
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson thanked those who fought the fire and helped the displaced. “We are so grateful that there are no fatalities in this particular fire, but we know that families are right now displaced and worried about where they will lay their heads at tonight,” she said. “We know that these fires are happening far too often across our city, and we will do our very best to make sure that we protect New Yorkers during their time of need.”
Investigation underway
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, reporters at the press conference said they heard from residents that the building lacked adequate heat and that residents were using stoves and space heaters because their complaints to 311 went unheeded.
“We have not heard that, preliminarily,” said Mayor Adams, and instructed anyone without adequate heat in their building to report the complaint to 311.
Conclusion
This devastating fire is a harsh reminder of the dangers faced by thousands of New Yorkers every day. As the city works to provide aid to those affected, it is crucial that we also address the underlying issues that contribute to these tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What was the cause of the fire?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
* How many people were displaced by the fire?
Approximately 180 people, 66 families, were registered by the Red Cross.
* What aid is being provided to those affected?
The MTA is providing temporary warming buses, and P.S. 76 The Bennington School is serving as a reception center for displaced families.
* How can I report a heat complaint?
Anyone without adequate heat in their building can report the complaint to 311.
