Editor’s note: The Secret List reports calling hours for Firefighter Joyce are set for Sunday from 2-6 p.m., and Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at McGrath & Sons, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville. His funeral is set for Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 6000 Riverdale Ave., in the Bronx.
By WPIX.com
YONKERS, N.Y. — One firefighter is dead and two others are critically injured after battling a violent three-alarm fire that tore through a three-story home in Westchester early Friday morning.
The fast-moving blaze at 148 Waverly Street in Yonkers was reported at 1 a.m. and was declared under control within the hour at 1:57 a.m.
During a 6 a.m. press conference, Yonkers Fire Commissioner Anthony H. Pagano, who was joined by Mayor Phil Amicone, confirmed the death of firefighter 39-year-old Patrick Joyce, who was a 16-year veteran with the department.
Joyce was initially listed in serious condition at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers before he died from his injuries at around 2 a.m. He leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.
“He feared nothing,” said Pagano, “He gave his life on a report to rescue others.”
Two other firefighters — Lt. Joseph Murray, 54, and firefighter William Kanych, 38 — were transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx and are listed in critical but stable condition. Both men are expected to recover from their injuries.
The three firefighters were investigating reports that there were people trapped on the third floor. It was later discovered there was no one was on the upper level of the home.
The smoke and heat were intense, and it is unclear if the firefighters fell or jumped while trying to exit the third floor.
“We do believe that it was super heated up there,” said Pagano, “And also as you can see behind me, this fire moved within seconds.”
Two residents were treated on the scene for smoke inhilation.
Reports also say two off-duty firefighters were travelling to the Yonkers home at around 5 a.m. to assist with the blaze. They were mere blocks away on Walnut Street when their car crashed head-on with another vehicle. The extent of their injuries is unknown.
Fire officials have deemed the blaze suspicious after determing the fire began in multiple locations on the first floor.
Local residents told PIX News there are five family units in the damaged home.
The Red Cross was on the scene assisting the displaced families.