A significant fire in the Bronx on Monday morning left three individuals injured, including two firefighters and a civilian. Fortunately, all injuries were reported as minor, according to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The fire erupted around 3:20 a.m. at a building situated at Findlay Avenue and East 170th Street in the Claremont neighborhood. The situation escalated quickly, leading to the fire being classified as a five-alarm blaze shortly after 4:30 a.m.
Over 250 firefighters and emergency medical personnel were deployed to tackle the inferno, which affected a five-story structure containing residential apartments as well as a deli on the ground floor. FDNY officials reported that the presence of illegally parked vehicles blocking nearby fire hydrants significantly hampered firefighting efforts.
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito commented on the obstruction, stating, “We had three cars parked on three different fire hydrants, which delayed our operation. We had a little bit of an ice condition, but the biggest issue was those blocked fire hydrants.” He also noted that those responsible for parking violations would face ticketing and towing.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire and the blocked hydrants, the rapid response of more than 250 emergency personnel ensured the situation was managed effectively, highlighting the commendable efforts of first responders in the face of adversity.