NEW YORK — Firefighters from Engine 45 and Ladder 58 risked their lives to save a woman and a 2-year-old boy from a two-alarm apartment fire in the Bronx on Sept. 15.
“This was an exceptional rescue,” said Deputy Chief Ronald Werner from Division 7. “Due to the bravery of these members, two people are alive today.”
The FDNY was called to the scene of the fire on Bronx Park Avenue at 6:15 a.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters said they saw a large body of fire and heavy smoke coming from the basement of the two-story residence.
Capt. Joseph Principio from Ladder 58 and Firefighters Steven Troche, Nick Marchese and Peter Tynan, located the narrow staircase and followed the members of the engine company into the basement.
“The walls were on fire, there was a lot of heat and low visibility,” said Firefighter Tynan.
As they performed their searches, Firefighter Troche said he found a mattress on the floor of a back bedroom, between it and the wall he found the 20-year-old woman, who was lying on top of the boy.
He said he first felt her leg, then, once he got within six inches away, he was able to see her face. He said they were not breathing.
“I was nervous, but you do what you’re trained to do,” said Firefighter Troche.
He called for backup and Firefighters Marchese and Tynan arrived to help. Firefighter Tynan had the child and Firefighters Marchese and Troche carried the woman, who was unconscious, but gurgling, up the narrow, 24-inch wide staircase.
Once they got the victims to EMS, they returned to finish their searches.
The victims, along with two others who were severely burned and another with minor injuries, were transported to Jacobi Hospital. Three firefighters also suffered minor injuries. Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire and said it is possible the apartments in the basement were illegally subdivided.
When asked how it felt to have saved two lives, Firefighter Troche said, “It feels great, really exhausting, but great.”
Capt. Principio added, “If it wasn’t for the work of these members today, the two victims would not have survived the fire. They made this a successful operation.”
Republished with permission from FDNY.