A serious fire in the Bronx left one brave individual injured as it destroyed three homes on Sunday, according to the FDNY.
The blaze ignited around 7:24 PM on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in University Heights and rapidly spread to adjacent properties.
Jose Martinez, who lives across the street, told a local news outlet that he heard people yelling “Fire!” He quickly ran to see what was happening, shocked to find the situation so intense.
“It felt like something out of a movie,” he remarked.
As flames erupted from the three homes, 198 firefighters battled valiantly to contain the fire. They used ladder trucks and hoses, while thick smoke billowed into the night sky.
Reports suggest that lithium batteries may have been involved. While it’s unclear if they started the fire, it’s known that fires fueled by lithium batteries can be more intense and rapid. The FDNY has initiated a Lithium Ion Task Force to investigate this issue further.
During the chaotic scene, one resident, four paramedics, and nine firefighters were reported injured. Emergency teams even rushed one injured individual out on a stretcher.
Concerned firefighters later visited the New York Presbyterian Allen Hospital to check on the injured who remained in serious condition.
This incident could have resulted in greater damage if not for alert neighbors who helped guide residents to safety, particularly assisting seniors who depend on mobility aids.
“They were aiding an elderly woman,” Jay Lopez shared. “She had an oxygen tank and a walker, and they were helping her out.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the Red Cross has stepped in to assist those who have been displaced.
