A fast-moving five-alarm fire tore through a multi-story residential building in the Bronx on Wednesday afternoon, injuring at least 11 people, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Three civilians and three firefighters suffered severe injuries in the blaze, which drew a massive emergency response to the Norwood neighborhood.
Bronx Building Fire Sparks Five-Alarm Response
The FDNY dispatched units to East 209th Street, situated between Decatur Avenue and Parkside Place, shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday following reports of an explosion and fire. Firefighters arrived to find an active blaze tearing through the second and third floors of the five-story residential structure, according to department incident reports.
The New York City Emergency Management department issued public warnings urging residents to avoid the area due to heavy smoke, blocked traffic, and a continuous convoy of responding emergency vehicles.
Hospitalizations and Injuries Reported by FDNY
Emergency medical personnel transported eight civilians and three firefighters to area hospitals for treatment, according to the FDNY update. Medical staff evaluated three of the civilian patients as being in critical condition, while five others sustained minor injuries.
The cause of the initial explosion and subsequent fire remains under active investigation by city fire marshals.
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