BRONX, NY – Firefighters in the Bronx are grappling with a formidable five-alarm blaze that erupted in the early hours of the morning, leaving several injured and prompting a massive emergency response. As dawn broke over the Allerton section, the flames continued to rage, showcasing the challenging conditions faced by the emergency crews.
The fire, which ignited just before 2 a.m., quickly spread through the top floor of a six-story residential building. The intensity of the blaze prompted an escalation from an initial alarm to a five-alarm status within an hour, mobilizing around 200 firefighters and 44 units to the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire shows little sign of abating.
Currently, seven individuals have sustained injuries, including five firefighters. Most of the injured have been transported to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for their wounds. The Red Cross has also dispatched teams to provide assistance to those affected by the fire.
Residents described a terrifying scene as they were abruptly awakened by the acrid smell of smoke and the urgent shouts of neighbors warning of the danger. One resident, who lives in a neighboring building, recounted watching in disbelief as the fire refused to be tamed, spreading rapidly and igniting fears throughout the community.
The cold weather poses additional challenges for the firefighters, with temperatures plummeting and water from hoses turning to ice almost instantly. Icicles hang from street signs near the scene, and the ground has become treacherously slippery, prompting crews to spread salt to improve footing.
The gusty winds have further complicated efforts, fanning the flames and threatening to extend the fire’s reach to adjacent structures. Despite these obstacles, the firefighters remain resolute, employing every resource available to contain the blaze.
Evacuees have found temporary refuge at a local elementary school, where they are sheltered from the biting cold. The community, known for its resilience, is coming together to support those displaced by the fire, highlighting the area’s spirit in the face of adversity.
As the battle against the fire continues, authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. While the focus remains on extinguishing the flames, attention will soon turn to understanding how such a devastating fire could have taken hold so quickly.