An apartment fire in Brooklyn led to a rescue operation when firefighters pulled 89-year-old Korean War veteran Richard "Richie" Martin to safety. The blaze broke out around 3:30 p.m. Saturday on 91st Street in Fort Hamilton, leaving Martin in critical condition, according to Brooklyn News12. Neighbors who witnessed the incident voiced concern for Martin due to his age and limited mobility.
One firefighter was injured while working to extinguish the blaze, as reported by ABC7NY. The fire disrupted the usual calm of the neighborhood, which residents say was often filled with music from Martin’s apartment, where he played the National Anthem daily.
Alongside the injury to Martin, it was confirmed that his cat did not survive the incident. The day following the fire, cleanup crews were deployed. Neighbors remembered Martin as an animal lover and a familiar, friendly face around the block. "Richie, you’re a good guy. You’re great for the community, and I hope you stay safe and recover quickly," a local youth reflected on Facebook, as per Brooklyn News12.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by fire marshals. The incident resulted in the displacement of several residents, and community members have since provided assistance. Adriana Dickson, who witnessed the fire, shared with ABC7NY relief upon hearing the man was rescued: "I thought he wasn't going to -- I didn't think, from the look of what was going on. I didn't think he'd come out. But when the neighbor said 'no, they got him out,' they took him out on a stretcher, I was like oh wow, that's good. Because that was scary."
