At least 19 people, including nine children, were killed in an apartment fire in New York City on Sunday that officials believe was caused by a space heater that malfunctioned.
“The fire started just before 11 a.m. in a duplex apartment on the second and third floors of the building, on East 181st Street,” The New York Times reported. “Firefighters arrived within three minutes and encountered smoke that extended the entire height of the 19-story building, said the fire commissioner, Daniel A. Nigro.”
The report indicated that the death toll was likely to rise as more than 60 individuals were injured, with 32 being sent to hospitals. Approximately 200 firefighters battled the blaze.
“This is a horrific, horrific, painful moment for the city of New York,” New York City Democrat Mayor Eric Adams said. “This is going to be one of the worst fires that we have witnessed during modern times here in the city of New York.”
New videos shows smoke pouring out of an apartment building in New York City from a massive fire that killed at least 19 people. including nine children, according to officials. https://t.co/JPO13Cafbv pic.twitter.com/mlsK9BCE98
— ABC News (@ABC) January 9, 2022
Approximately 200 FDNY members are operating on scene of a 5-alarm fire at 333 East 181 Street in the Bronx. There are currently 31 serious injuries to civilians. pic.twitter.com/yrTYwOfonH
— FDNY (@FDNY) January 9, 2022
Officials said that the fire started in a bedroom and spread rapidly when individuals ran out of the apartment and left the door open, which fueled the fire.
“The smoke spread throughout the building, thus the tremendous loss of life and other people fighting for their lives at hospitals throughout the Bronx,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. “We’re all about saving lives, and the loss of one life is sad for us, much less 19 lives.”
Nigro noted that, “the smoke conditions in this building were unprecedented.”
The New York Fire Department spread the word on social media that people should “CLOSE THE DOOR” if there is a fire to avoid helping the fire spread.
When it comes to fire safety, the message is the same in every language – CLOSE THE DOOR. See more #FDNYSmart tips at https://t.co/NpwdRdlElY pic.twitter.com/BKxxu7gqod
— FDNY (@FDNY) January 10, 2022
“We’ve lost 19 of our neighbors today. It’s a tragedy beyond measure. Join me in praying for those we lost, especially the 9 innocent young lives that were cut short,” Adams later tweeted. “Thank you to the men and women of the @FDNY for fighting so valiantly against today’s five-alarm fire in the Bronx. An investigation into what happened is underway. To everyone affected by this tragedy: Your city will be with you in the days ahead.”
“I am horrified by the devastating fire in the Bronx today,” New York Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul tweeted. “My heart is with the loved ones of all those we’ve tragically lost, all of those impacted and with our heroic @FDNY firefighters. The entire State of New York stands with New York City.”
“With this horrific fire—we’re standing together for everyone in the Bronx,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. “We’re praying for those who lost their lives, those injured, everyone impacted, the kids, families. Thank you @FDNY who always rush headfirst into danger. We’ll do everything we can to help those affected.”
“I’m devastated by the horrifying fire in New York City this morning,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) tweeted. “Thank you to our brave @FDNY firefighters who responded. My heart is with everyone who has been injured, lost their home, or lost a loved one today. We are all standing with you.”
“Absolutely devastating,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tweeted. “We’re mourning with our loved ones and neighbors in The Bronx.”