After a five-alarm fire tore through three homes in the Bronx on Sunday, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) reported that thirteen Bravest were injured, including one who was in critical condition.
At 7:24 p.m., the fire broke out on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in University Heights. According to the Fire Department of New York, it quickly spread to the homes on either side of the building.
Jose Martinez, who lives directly across the street from the location where the fire began, stated that he heard people yelling “Fire!” and then ran out to see the fire already raging.
His words were, “It was like a movie.”
At the same time that 198 firefighters were working around the clock to prevent the flames from spreading, flames were raging out of the three homes.
As the Bravest positioned themselves on ladders and directed their hoses at the fire, clouds of smoke could be seen rising into the air towards the blaze.
Although lithium batteries were involved in the fire, it is not known whether or not they were the cause of the fire. Compared to conventional fires, blazes that involve lithium batteries burn more quickly and at a higher temperature.
In order to carry out inspections across all five boroughs, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) established its Lithium-Ion Task Force.
A resident, four paramedics, and nine firefighters were injured while battling the rapidly spreading fire, as reported by the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY).
An injured smoke eater was transported on a stretcher by paramedics to an ambulance that was waiting for them in the midst of the chaos.
Later on, concerned firefighters made their way to New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital to pay a visit to the injured Bravest, who continued to be in critical condition.
Read Also: Parents Receive $2 Million Following Social Media Leak of Decapitated Baby’s Autopsy
Neighbors who were quick on their feet and helped guide residents to safety, including elderly residents who rely on walkers and scooters for mobility, prevented the injuries from being much more severe than they would have been otherwise.
“They were helping some old lady,” Jay Lopez stated. “She had an oxygen tank and a walker, they was helping them out.”
Fire Marshals are conducting an investigation to determine what caused the fire. The American Red Cross was present to provide assistance to locals who had lost their homes.
