On Friday afternoon, a five-alarm fire consumed multiple floors of a Hamilton Heights apartment building, displacing dozens and injuring nine individuals, including firefighters. One of the responding firefighters suffered a serious injury after falling about 40 feet while fighting the blaze, as confirmed by the FDNY. The firefighter, reported to have been on the job for three years with Engine 58, was operating a hose line inside the building when the incident occurred. According to ABC7NY, the firefighter "stepped right into a window and then down about 40 feet of a shaft behind the building."
Kevin Woods, FDNY's Chief of Fire Operations, noted to CBS News New York that the old structure had many voids, which allowed the fire to rapidly spread to the sixth floor. Medical personnel provided immediate aid, with the fire department's physician and elite rescue medics present at the scene, expediting the treatment and transportation of the injured firefighter to Harlem Hospital in serious condition but stable.
The cause of the fire, which began on the second floor of the six-story building on West 145th Street, remains under investigation. More than 200 firefighters and EMS personnel were dispatched in response, with heavy fire and black smoke blowing out of the front windows upon their arrival, as stated by ABC7NY. Other than the seriously injured firefighter, three firefighters and five civilians sustained minor injuries.
Nearly 100 residents were left seeking emergency assistance following the inferno, with the Red Cross stepping in to provide temporary lodging and financial aid. Residents shared their harrowing experiences and relief at their and their pets' survival. One resident, TK Kamara, expressed to CBS News New York how he came home to find everything he owned destroyed, stating, "All I got is what I got on right now, literally." Impacted residents in need of help can reach out to 311 or the Red Cross for support during this challenging time.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who visited the injured firefighter in the hospital, noted his responsive state and spirited demeanour. Chief Michael Fields of EMS expressed gratitude towards the men and women of the FDNY and the rescue medics for their valiant efforts during the crisis. Zachary Iscol, New York City's emergency management commissioner, also highlighted the bravery of the responders, as reported by CBS News New York, saying, "When the mayday call was made, they rushed in without question, and we're so lucky to have them in service of this city."
