NEW YORK, June 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The New York Fire Department has revealed that 13 team members were injured, with one in critical condition, after a five-alarm blaze tore through three homes in the Bronx.
The Fire Department said the fire began at 7:24 p.m. on June 23 on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in University Heights and quickly spread to the homes on either side.
One man who lives across the street from where the fire started in the Bronx community, Jose Martinez, told Bronx 12 that he heard people screaming, “Fire!” and ran out to see it tearing a house down.
“It was like a movie,” he said.
Flames took over the three homes as 198 firefighters worked desperately to keep the fire from spreading.
Clouds of smoke were seen billowing into the air as the Bravest aimed their hoses at the inferno from ladders.
An ABC 7 report indicates that the fire involved lithium batteries, but what is unclear is whether that was the reason for the fire.
Blazes that come with lithium batteries reportedly tend to burn faster and hotter than normal fires.
The Fire Department launched its Lithium-Ion Task Force to conduct inspections throughout the five boroughs.
The Department says that one resident, four paramedics and nine firefighters were injured battling the fast-moving blaze.
Paramedics rushed one injured smoke-eater on a stretcher during the Bronx blaze to an awaiting ambulance.
Later, concerned firefighters arrived at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital to visit the injured Bravest, who remained in critical condition.
The injuries could have been much worse if neighbors were not proactive enough to help lead residents to safety, including older residents who rely on walkers and scooters for mobility.
“They were helping some old lady,” Jay Lopez told ABC 7. “She had an oxygen tank and a walker; they were helping them out.”
The Fire Marshals are investigating what caused the fire, and the Red Cross was on the scene helping residents who lost their homes. — NNN-AGENCIES
