NEW YORK — Three FDNY firefighters were critically injured while battling a multi-apartment fire Tuesday.
Officials said the five-building fire was caused by children playing with fire on a stove top.
Firefighter Patrick Morello, 34, collapsed after suffering severe heat stroke while attempting to put out flames on a roof top.
“The doctors had to bring the body temperature down, the man’s temperature was extremely high,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro told NBC New York.
Firefighter Joseph Brady, 51, suffered a heart attack while on the scene. The 17-year veteran fell ill and reported chest pain while working, officials said.
Firefighter Sean O’Rourke, 44, was also hospitalized after his arm was nearly severed when the fire truck he was driving crashed into a pole en route to the fire. Surgeons operated on O’Rourke’s arm Tuesday night, reported CBS New York.
All three men are reported to be in critical but stable condition.
“The conditions these firefighters work under are extremely difficult and extremely life-threatening and they do a good job. But today it caught up with us,” FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard said.
Also injured in a separate incident was Lt. Joseph Martorell, 54, who suffered severe burns. The 26-year veteran was treated and released from the hospital.
“It’s a day of prayers for those members,” Nigro said.