A devastating fire in the Bronx has left a firefighter in critical condition and thirteen others injured, as flames engulfed three multi-family homes last night. According to a report by The New York Post, the fire started at 7:24 p.m. on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in University Heights, with the FDNY stating it rapidly spread to adjacent buildings.
The blaze required the efforts of 198 firefighters to battle the aggressive flames, which witnesses likened to scenes from a film, "It was like a movie," said Jose Martinez, in an interview with NY Post. The presence of lithium batteries in the homes may have exacerbated the fire, causing it to burn both hotter and faster, though it remains unclear if they were the source of the blaze.
The impact of the fire was extensive, with twelve firefighters, including one member of FDNY EMS, and two civilians hospitalized. "There were batteries, but it is unclear if they actually started the fire, but they made it very serious and very difficult to put out," ABC 7 reported. Amid the chaos that night, paramedics were seen rushing an injured firefighter to an ambulance, with concerned colleagues later visiting the critically injured at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.
Community bonds were evident, as an act of heroism came to light with neighbors assisting residents in escaping the burning buildings. "They were helping some old lady, she had an oxygen tank and a walker, they was helping them out," Jay Lopez told ABC 7. The Red Cross has since been involved, providing support for those displaced by the fire, while the investigation into the fire's cause continues by Fire Marshals.
