One person is dead after a fast-moving fire ripped through a six-story apartment building in central Harlem on Sunday evening, sending flames shooting from the upper floors and drawing a massive emergency response to West 140th Street near Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.
According to New York Daily News, the Fire Department deployed 21 units, including roughly 79 firefighters and emergency medical personnel, who raced to contain the blaze. Crews brought the fire under control just before 6 p.m. The FDNY spokesperson told the outlet that the identity of the person who died was not immediately released while investigators worked at the scene.
Where the blaze began
The fire began on the fifth floor of the six-story building and spread through multiple apartments, charring units and filling the hallway with thick smoke. As reported by NY1, Harlem has seen several large and deadly apartment fires in recent years, underscoring the risks and challenges residents and first responders face in older walk-up buildings.
Investigation and response
Fire marshals responded to the scene to investigate what sparked the blaze while teams combed through damaged units in detailed searches. Per New York Daily News, firefighters battled through heavy smoke as they worked their way through the building, and the NYPD shut down the block to secure the area while investigators moved in and out.
Officials did not immediately release additional information about the victim or the overall condition of the building and said updates would come as the investigation continues. After major fires, community and city agencies often coordinate emergency support for residents, and authorities typically announce available resources if tenants are displaced.
