Earlier today, a three-alarm fire engulfed a home in the Flatlands area of Brooklyn, resulting in injuries and forcing local families into the biting cold, confirmed by FDNY officials. As per Eyewitness News, the fire happened on East 38th Street just before 1 a.m., and firefighters found their task complicated by sub-zero temperatures that froze hydrants and turned water to ice.
Five individuals, having escaped the blaze, received treatment for minor injuries. Difficulty in fire suppression efforts emerged as a significant challenge; not only hydrants but also the hoses became clogged with ice. "I believe there were two frozen hydrants on ths block so the water they brought in had to come from the next intersection. It took a little time and any chance we had to get ahead of the fire, we lost it right there," FDNY Deputy Chief James Carney told Eyewitness News.
Displacement afflicted multiple families in the vicinity, with adjacent houses evacuated for safety. The affected building, according to information sourced from Fire Engineering, likely saw the fire start in the attic, with thoughts pointing towards an electrical problem as the probable cause.
Those hospitalized comprised individuals of varied age, including a 57-year-old woman with burns on her arms and back, and an 83-year-old man treated for smoke inhalation. All victims are expected to recover, with further updates pending as the cause of the blaze continues to be under investigation by authorities.
